Hindu Gym Owner Faces Death Threats After Defending Muslim Shopkeeper in India
A 42-year-old Hindu gym owner in northern India has become a symbol of religious unity after stepping in to defend an elderly Muslim shopkeeper from alleged harassment, but his actions have triggered death threats and a significant loss of business.
Confrontation Over Shop Name Sparks Viral Incident
On 26 January, Deepak Kumar witnessed a group of men in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, pressuring a 70-year-old Muslim trader to change his shop's name from 'Baba Clothes' due to his religious identity. Mr Kumar questioned the crowd, arguing that everyone should be treated equally under India's constitution, regardless of religion.
A pivotal moment occurred when someone in the crowd asked his name, and he responded, "My name is Mohammad Deepak." This statement, blending Hindu and Muslim elements—"Deepak" meaning light in Hindi and Sanskrit, and "Mohammad" being a Muslim name—was captured in a video that went viral, becoming a rallying point for advocates of religious unity.
Backlash and Support in a Divided Community
Mr Kumar's intervention led to strong local reactions. Days later, about 150 people reportedly gathered to raise slogans against him. He told The Indian Express that he intended to convey that he was an Indian and everyone was equal before the law, but his actions resulted in threats and a sharp drop in gym membership from 150 clients to around 15, severely affecting his income.
The group of men argued that the word "baba" should refer only to the Siddhabali Temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Hanuman, and that a Muslim shopkeeper should not use it. Mr Kumar told the BBC, "I did not like these young men talking so rudely with an elderly man. They were targeting him because of his religion. They were targeting Muslims."
Legal and Political Support Emerges
In response, a group of 15 senior advocates from the Supreme Court stepped in by sponsoring annual gym memberships, after Mr Kumar expressed discomfort accepting cash. This initiative was partly inspired by Communist MP John Brittas, who had earlier visited the gym and bought a membership. More than 20 lawyers have now joined, offering pro bono legal help to challenge any legal repercussions from the incident.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress party, called Mr Kumar "India's hero" in a post on X, praising him for fighting for the constitution and humanity. Gandhi criticized the BJP and Sangh Parivar—an umbrella term for far-right Hindu organizations—for allegedly dividing India through fear and supporting anti-social forces in Uttarakhand.
Ongoing Tensions and Police Involvement
Mr Kumar reported feeling intimidated and filed a police complaint about the threats, with officials stating that inquiries are ongoing. Police also registered a case based on a complaint by the Muslim shopkeeper. The situation in Kotdwar remains tense, with residents divided between supporting Mr Kumar and criticizing his actions.
Despite the backlash, Mr Kumar remains resolute, telling local media, "Half of the town supports me, but people do not applaud when you do good deeds. Honesty might come at a price." His story continues to highlight the challenges of promoting communal harmony in a polarized environment.
