The legal community has stepped forward to support Deepak Kumar, a Kotdwar gym owner whose business collapsed after a viral communal video. Fifteen senior advocates from the Supreme Court of India purchased annual memberships at Hulk Gym this week.
The legal community has come forward to support Deepak Kumar, a gym owner in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, whose business has faced a significant decline after a viral video linked to a communal altercation.
Deepak’s gym, Hulk Gym, saw its membership drop from 150 to around 15, endangering his livelihood.
In response, a group of 15 senior advocates from the Supreme Court collectively purchased annual memberships to help sustain the business, according to source.
The controversy started on January 26, when Deepak, 38, confronted a group of individuals allegedly harassing a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper with Parkinson’s disease. The men were insisting that the elderly man remove “Baba” from his shop’s name. When asked for his name during the dispute, Deepak responded, “Mohammad Deepak.”
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A video capturing this exchange quickly gained traction on social media. While many praised his defense against intimidation and communal pressure, others reacted negatively.
Earlier, On January 31, members of the Bajrang Dal gathered outside Deepak’s gym to confront him, prompting police intervention to prevent escalation.
Following the incident, Deepak’s gym experienced a drastic reduction in visitors. Numerous regular members stopped attending, leaving the gym nearly deserted. With monthly rent at Rs 40,000 and home loan obligations, the sudden loss of revenue placed him under financial strain.
Deepak remarked on the divided sentiments in the town,
“Half the town supports me, but people don’t clap when you do the right thing. Honesty sometimes comes at a cost.”
To address the situation, a group of senior lawyers joined forces, each contributing Rs 10,000 for a one-year gym membership. This initiative was inspired by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who previously visited the gym and purchased a membership to show his support.
Initially, Deepak declined to accept monetary contributions, so the advocates devised an alternative strategy. Instead of financial donations, they decided to sponsor gym memberships for young people in Kotdwar who cannot afford the fees. Each membership card will feature the name of the contributor, a plan approved by Deepak, who has started issuing receipts for these memberships.
In addition to financial support, the lawyers have committed to providing free legal assistance. More than 20 advocates have pledged to offer pro bono legal help to Deepak for any legal matters arising from the January 26 incident.
One participating advocate noted that this initiative aims to express solidarity with Kumar’s actions and to convey that “while standing up for what is right may carry a heavy price, the community will ensure it does not lead to ruin.”
Numerous public figures and social media users have also shown support. Notably, actor Swara Bhaskar and social activist-author Harsh Mander have encouraged people to purchase gym memberships as a means of backing Deepak. Deepak has maintained his stance against accepting cash donations, stating,
“I’ve told everyone clearly that I won’t take money. If people want to help, they can take memberships.”
Despite the surge in support, tensions reignited after Pinky Chaudhary, leader of the Hindu Raksha Dal, issued multiple video threats directed at Deepak. In one clip, he urged followers to gather outside the gym, while another showed him near police personnel, threatening to “silence” Deepak.
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In response to these threats, the Pauri Garhwal police have heightened security in Kotdwar. They have intensified vehicle checks at district entry points and deployed additional forces at sensitive locations, markets, and crowded areas.
Continuous foot and mobile patrols are being conducted, and authorities stated,
“Strict action will be taken against anyone trying to disturb peace or vitiate the atmosphere in Kotdwar.”
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