DIVYA DELHI : Fifteen Senior Advocates of the Supreme Court have stepped in to support Hulk Gym owner ‘Mohammad’ Deepak after his membership base dropped sharply from 150 to just 15, following a controversy last month. Deepak (38) came into the spotlight on January 26 when he intervened to stop a group of men from allegedly harassing a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper over the word “Baba” in his shop’s name. During the confrontation, he identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak” in a video that later went viral. Days later, members of the Bajrang Dal gathered near his gym but were stopped by police. With business hit and monthly expenses mounting, a group of 15 Senior Advocates contributed Rs 10,000 each — structured as one-year gym memberships — to help sustain his livelihood. The initiative was inspired by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who had earlier purchased a membership. The lawyers have also pledged free legal aid to support Deepak in any legal proceedings. Deepak has maintained he will accept memberships, not cash donations. Meanwhile, police have heightened security in Kotdwar after fresh threats surfaced on social media, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace in the town.
