New Delhi, February 12 Around a dozen senior lawyers of the Supreme Court have taken up the case of Deepak Kumar, whose 'Hulk' gym in Kotdwara, Uttarakhand, once a bustling hub with over 150 members, has been deserted by most after a heated dispute over the shop's name, sources said.
Deepak Kumar, the 42-year-old gym owner, had previously told a news agency that his business had collapsed after he confronted Bajrang Dal activists protesting against a garment shop named 'Baba', and identified himself as 'Mohammad Deepak'.
He said the ongoing tension had made his livelihood a casualty of the dispute.
A lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous, said that around 12 senior lawyers of the Supreme Court purchased the gym's membership for a year after paying a fee of Rs 10,000 each.
The membership card bearing the name of the original contributor would be provided to local gym enthusiasts who were unable to pay the fees, the lawyer said.
"Earlier, over 150 people used to train at my gym. Since this dispute began, the number has dwindled to just 12-15," Kumar had told news agency PTI, adding that regulars were staying away to avoid the friction.
Now, Deepak has also been offered pro bono legal representation by some other lawyers, the lawyer said.
"The legal fraternity is standing in solidarity with Deepak," said another lawyer.
On January 26, Bajrang Dal activists protested outside the 'Baba' clothing store on Patel Marg in Kotdwar to pressure its 70-year-old owner, Vakil Ahmed, to change the name of the shop.
During the protest, clashes broke out between the Bajrang Dal members, Vakil Ahmed, and his son's friend Deepak Kumar, after which Kumar, identifying himself as Mohammad Deepak, forced the protesters to retreat.
Fresh concerns emerged following a viral video by the Hindu Raksha Dal, in which a man could be seen threatening to march to Kotdwara on February 12 to "teach Deepak a lesson".
Local authorities have maintained a strict vigil on the matter to prevent further escalation.
