Gym Owner Receives National Support After Standing Up for Elderly Shopkeeper
In a heartening turn of events, Deepak Kumar, a gym owner from Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district, has begun receiving widespread support from across India after facing threats and a significant drop in his business membership. This follows his courageous stand in defense of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper in the city.
Membership Plummets After Confrontation
Kumar, who recently added "Mohammad" to his name after right-wing members demanded he reveal his identity, reported that his gym membership had dramatically decreased from over 150 members to less than 20. This decline occurred after provocative demonstrations outside his gym on January 31, allegedly by members of Bajrang Dal, which created tension in the otherwise peaceful hill town.
"With threat calls against me on social media platforms and over the phone, I was worried about my family's safety. The dwindling membership numbers added to it," Kumar told TOI on Thursday. "However, I was overwhelmed by the kind of support I received from many, including Supreme Court lawyers."
National Response and Innovative Solution
According to Kumar, gym membership represents his sole source of income. Numerous individuals who contacted him offered monetary assistance, but he declined on principle. Instead, he proposed an alternative: supporters could purchase gym memberships at Rs 10,000 per year, and for each membership bought, Kumar would provide a free membership to someone willing to join his gym, which currently serves only 17-18 members.
"It would be like a sponsorship for that person," Kumar explained, emphasizing his desire to rebuild his business through ethical means rather than accepting direct financial aid.
Background of the Confrontation
The incident stems from a widely circulated video showing Kumar confronting right-wing members who had traveled from Dehradun and Rishikesh to pressure the elderly shopkeeper to change his shop's name after 30 years of operation, citing religious reasons. Kumar's friend, Vijay Rawat, who stood alongside him during confrontations on both January 26 and 31, noted that fear has kept people away from the gym.
"What happened in the last fortnight shook everyone in Kotdwar, which is a peaceful city," Rawat stated. Both Kumar and Rawat were named in an FIR filed on charges of physical assault and criminal intimidation, based on a complaint by a Bajrang Dal member following the January 26 incident.
Family Impact and Police Response
Kumar's family has also felt the repercussions of these events. While his wife continues to give tuition to children at home and his daughter attends school normally, his mother's tea-stall business has suffered. Despite these challenges, Kumar remains optimistic. "I haven't lost any hope though. I know I can always bounce back," he affirmed.
Pauri Garhwal SSP Sarvesh Panwar confirmed that police have been deployed near Kumar's gym as a precautionary measure. "The security is to ensure Kumar's safety. We also registered FIRs on the threats received by him. We won't allow anyone to disturb the law and order," Panwar assured.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the complex social dynamics in the region and the personal risks individuals face when standing up against communal pressure. The national response, including support from legal professionals, underscores a growing awareness and solidarity against such incidents. Kumar's story continues to unfold as he navigates both personal safety concerns and business recovery efforts in Kotdwar.
