New Delhi: A gym in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar, which once had over 150 members, now has barely a dozen customers after its owner landed in a controversy after clashing with Bajrag Dal members last month. Deepak Kumar, 42, who runs ‘Hulk’ gym, said his business has suffered losses since he encountered Bajrang Dal workers protesting against a garment shop named ‘Baba’ and during the fight, he identified himself as ‘Mohammed Deepak’. ‘150 people used to train in my gym.

This number has come down to just 12 or 15 since the controversy started,” Kumar said, adding that many regulars are staying away to avoid getting stressed. The controversy began on January 26 when Bajrang Dal workers protested outside ‘Baba’ clothing shop on Patel Marg and demanded that its 70-year-old owner Vakil Ahmed change the name of the shop. Clashes broke out between the protesters, Ahmed and Kumar, who is a friend of Ahmed’s son, leading to police intervention.

On January 31, a large group of activists again gathered outside the shop and Kumar’s gym, blocking the road and raising slogans. A lesson” The local administration has stepped up security to prevent the matter from escalating further. Additional Superintendent of Police Chandra Mohan Singh said no one would be allowed to disturb peace in the city and warned of strict action against those trying to create trouble.