Rahul Gandhi to join gym owned by man who intervened against harassment

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to take membership at a small gym in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar owned by Mohammad Deepak, a fitness trainer who recently found himself at the centre of a heated social and political controversy. Deepak Kumar has claimed that Rahul Gandhi will visit his gym on Thursday, June 4, and also take its membership, according to AajTak.

Deepak Kumar, who came into the spotlight as “Mohammad Deepak” after he intervened against the harassment of a Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar. Speaking to Aaj Tak, Deepak said Rahul Gandhi had earlier assured him that he would come to Kotdwar and join the gym.

“He is now fulfilling that promise and take the membership tomorrow (June 4),” Deepak said. However, there has been no official confirmation from Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party regarding the visit or gym membership.

The 42-year-old operator of 'Hulk' gym in Kotdwar was also planning to vacate his gym, sell the equipment and move out of the city due to the financial crunch he has faced since he spoke against the harassment of the Muslim man.

Who is Mohammad Deepak and why is his gym in news?

Mohammad Deepak, a gym owner from Kotdwar, rose to national attention after a confrontation involving a Muslim shopkeeper went viral. During the incident, Deepak reportedly identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak” while intervening against a group allegedly harassing the elderly shopkeeper. Following the incident, Deepak claimed he faced social backlash, which severely impacted his gym’s business and membership base.

Reports suggest his gym membership dropped drastically—from around 150 members to just a handful—putting his livelihood under pressure.

Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Deepak

Rahul Gandhi had earlier met Deepak in Delhi, where he praised his stand and extended support. During the interaction, Gandhi reportedly said: “He stood firm against hate, protected the weak — There is no greater patriotism than this,”

He also assured Deepak that he would visit Kotdwar and take membership in his gym, a promise that has now resurfaced in fresh reports. The meeting was widely interpreted as part of Gandhi’s broader message on unity and social harmony.

Gym facing financial strain, possible sale on cards

Despite nationwide attention and support from various groups, Deepak’s gym continues to struggle financially. As per reports, the reduced membership and ongoing losses have forced him to consider selling the gym. Rising expenses and loss of regular clients have added to his difficulties.

What was once a busy local fitness centre is now operating under financial stress, with uncertainty over its future.