• Source:JND

Mohammed Deepak Row: Thrust into the national limelight for taking on Bajrang Dal activists putting pressure on a 70-year-old to change the name of his shop, 'Mohammed Deepak', original name - Deepak Kumar, has been under attack since his video went viral. This time, not physically, but financially as people started quitting his gym, which is his only source of income.

Indian Express, quoting Deepak, reported that his fitness center - Hulk Gym - lost many members amid row after he saved a Muslim man from anger crowd. According to Deepak, his gym's membership reduced to 15 from 150. Sharing his agony, he said honesty might come at a price.

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Trouble Mounts For Deepak

He said now people are scared and hesitate to come to his gym. Sharing his financial woes, Deepak said he pays rent of Rs 40,000 a month for gym and also he has a loan taken for building his home. Deepak said he pays Rs 16,000 for his home loan.

Rajya Sabha MP Supports Deepak, Takes Membership Of His Gym

John Brittas, leader of CPI(M)’s Parliamentary Party in the Rajya Sabha, visited Deepak's gym and extended his support. The MP also took membership of his gym showing solidarity.

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Brittas shared a post on X after his visit. He wrote, "When a British court asked Udham Singh his name after he avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he declared: “Ram Mohammad Singh Azad.” Today, those echoes of secular resistance resonate through Deepak Kumar of Kotdwar, who stood before a mob and proudly said, “Mohammad Deepak.”"

As divisive forces threaten our social fabric, Deepak’s courage in shielding an elderly Muslim shopkeeper embodies the hope India needs, said Brittas adding that his act is a living testament to the Fraternity and Equality enshrined in our Constitution.

"As a Member of Parliament, it is my bounden duty to uphold the Constitution and stand with those who live its values. I traveled to Kotdwar to convey Kerala’s solidarity to Deepak, his friend Vijay, and his brave mother. And of course, the victim, Baba Mohammed. In their resilience against a mob of over 150, we see a ray of hope," he added.

Deepak Refuses To Take Rs 2 Lakh From Jharkhand Govt

In another development, Deepak refused a monetary reward from Jharkhand government, saying he doesn't want the Rs 2 lakh award. "Give it to someone in need," the 42-year-old gym owner said. He recalled the incident of January 28 when Bajrang Dal activists gathered outside the Patel Marg clothing store named "Baba," to pressure shop owner Vakil Ahmed (70) to change its name. 


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