Uttarakhand Gym Owner Faces Severe Business Decline Following Bajrang Dal Confrontation
A once-thriving fitness center in Kotdwara, Uttarakhand, has experienced a dramatic collapse in its membership base, plummeting from over 150 active clients to a mere dozen. This drastic downturn stems directly from a public altercation involving the gym's owner and members of the Bajrang Dal last month.
The Confrontation That Sparked the Crisis
The proprietor, 42-year-old Deepak Kumar, who operates the 'Hulk' gym, disclosed that his establishment's fortunes took a sharp negative turn after he intervened in a protest staged by Bajrang Dal activists. The activists were demonstrating outside a garment shop named ‘Baba’ on Patel Marg, demanding the 70-year-old owner, Vakil Ahmed, change the store's name.
"Earlier, over 150 people used to train at my gym. Since this dispute began, the number has come down to just 12 or 15," Kumar informed the Press Trust of India. He elaborated that many of his regular patrons are now deliberately avoiding the facility to steer clear of the surrounding tension and potential entanglement in the conflict.
Escalation of Tensions and Police Involvement
The initial clash occurred on January 26, Republic Day, when the protest outside the ‘Baba’ clothing store escalated into physical confrontations involving the demonstrators, shop owner Vakil Ahmed, and Deepak Kumar. Kumar, who is a friend of Ahmed’s son, stepped in during the altercation, reportedly identifying himself as 'Mohammad Deepak'. Police were called to the scene to restore order.
The situation intensified on January 31 when a larger contingent of activists regrouped, this time targeting both the clothing store and Kumar's gym. They blocked the roadway and chanted slogans, necessitating another police intervention. Following these incidents, law enforcement officials registered three separate First Information Reports (FIRs) to document the events.
Ongoing Threats and Heightened Security Measures
Matters took a more sinister turn when a video circulated by the Hindu Raksha Dal surfaced, featuring an individual threatening to march to Kotdwara on February 12 with the explicit intent to "teach Deepak a lesson." This development prompted the local administration to significantly bolster security protocols in the area to prevent any further escalation of violence or communal disharmony.
Additional Superintendent of Police Chandra Mohan Singh issued a stern warning, asserting that no one would be permitted to disturb the peace in Kotdwara. He emphasized that strict legal action would be taken against any individuals or groups attempting to incite trouble or disrupt public order.
The Broader Impact on Local Business and Community
The case highlights the fragile nature of small business operations in regions experiencing socio-political friction. Deepak Kumar's gym, which was previously a community hub for fitness enthusiasts, now stands nearly empty, a direct casualty of the owner's decision to confront the protesting group. The incident underscores how local disputes can rapidly escalate, drawing in bystanders and crippling livelihoods.
As security remains heightened, the future of the 'Hulk' gym hangs in the balance, dependent on the resolution of the underlying tensions and the restoration of a sense of normalcy and safety for its potential clientele in Kotdwara.
