Kotdwar: A gym trainer from Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar town says he has been forced to shut down his livelihood and live under constant fear after a video showing him standing up for an elderly Muslim shopkeeper went viral on social media. Deepak Kumar, who runs a gym in the Patel Marg market area, claims that the past week has been mentally and emotionally traumatic for his entire family due to alleged threats from Bajrang Dal activists.
The episode dates back to January 26, when tension erupted at a small garment shop named Baba School Dress, owned by 70-year-old Vakil Ahmed. According to accounts of the incident, a group of men identifying themselves as Bajrang Dal workers entered the shop and demanded that the word “Baba” be removed from its name. A video of the confrontation was later widely shared online, triggering intense reactions.
Deepak Kumar said he happened to be nearby at a friend’s shop at the time, while his own gym is located in the same market. Recounting the moment, he said, “When I saw a crowd, I went there and supported the elderly shopkeeper.” During the heated exchange, members of the group reportedly asked Deepak his name. He responded by saying “Mohammed Deepak,” a statement he later explained was meant as an expression of solidarity with the shopkeeper. The clip capturing this exchange soon spread rapidly across social media platforms.
According to Deepak, the situation escalated sharply after the video went viral. He alleged that Bajrang Dal activists gathered outside his gym, creating chaos and issuing threats. Multiple videos surfaced online showing angry crowds outside the premises. In one such clip, a man is heard saying, “Deepak Kumar, you are on target.”
Describing the impact on his personal life, Deepak said the fear has taken over his household. “Since that day, my family is scared. Fear is constant. My daughter studies in LKG and has stopped going to school. My health is not good and the gym is not running. I have my mother and wife at home. I have to work, but the circumstances are very difficult,” he said.
The tension peaked on January 31, when members of Bajrang Dal and other right-wing organisations staged a protest outside Deepak’s gym. It has been alleged that communal slogans were raised during the demonstration. Police personnel were deployed at the site as the situation grew tense, especially when Deepak and the protesters came face to face. Videos from the scene show police attempting to calm Deepak, while some individuals from the crowd tried to move towards the gym before being restrained.
To prevent further escalation, the police increased security in the area and conducted a flag march to reassure residents and maintain law and order. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the threats, and the situation in the locality remains sensitive.
