Overview
- Deepak Kumar, who identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak” while protecting a 70-year-old shopkeeper, saw gym attendance plunge from about 150 to roughly 12–20 after the confrontation spread online.
- The boycott has left his family under acute strain, with Rs 40,000 in monthly rent and a Rs 16,000 home-loan instalment due while the household leans on his 70-year-old mother’s tea stall for income.
- Police identified Utkarsh Kumar Singh of Motihari, Bihar, for allegedly posting a Rs 2 lakh bounty, questioned him with Bihar Police assistance, and registered a case under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Local authorities increased security in Kotdwar and warned of strict action after fresh threats circulated, including a video from a Hindu Raksha Dal figure vowing to confront Deepak.
- National solidarity has grown, with CPI(M) MP John Brittas taking a one-year gym membership and social-media users seeking ways to join remotely or send financial support.