Deepak came into national focus after confronting Bajrang Dal men who had gathered outside a Muslim-owned clothing store to pressure the proprietor to change its name
DEHRADUN — Uttarakhand Police on Monday, (February 9), arrested Utkarsh Kumar Singh for allegedly offering a reward of Rs 2 lakh for killing gym owner Deepak Kumar, popularly known as Mohammad Deepak.
A video which has gone viral on social media shows Singh holding a bundle of currency notes and declaring in Hindi: “Whoever kills Mohammad Deepak and brings him back to Hinduism by explaining Sanatan Dharma to him will be given Rs 2 lakh.”
Deepak came into national focus after confronting Bajrang Dal activists who had gathered outside a Muslim-owned clothing store to pressure the proprietor to change its name. During the confrontation, Deepak introduced himself as Mohammad Deepak, following which the protesters dispersed.
Acted Out of Jealousy: Police
Police said Deepak filed a complaint at Kotdwar Police Station on Sunday (February 8), stating that an unknown person was offering a monetary reward online for his murder.
Taking the matter seriously, police registered a case under Section 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.
Using technical surveillance and other inputs, police traced the suspect to Motihari in Bihar. With assistance from the Bihar Police, Singh was brought to a police station near his residence for questioning.
According to police, Singh claimed during interrogation that he acted out of jealousy over Deepak’s growing popularity on social media. He allegedly said his own online following was not increasing and that he posted the video merely to boost views and engagement on his channel, insisting he had no criminal intent.
Police said further legal action is underway.
Gym Sees Sharp Drop in Customers
Meanwhile, Deepak’s gym has reportedly witnessed a steep decline in footfall since the January 31 incident. The Hulk Gym, which earlier had around 150 members, now reportedly sees only about 15 visitors, The Indian Express reported.
Deepak, who rents the gym floor for Rs 40,000 a month, is the sole breadwinner of his family.
“People are scared, and I understand that. But the gym runs on an entire floor with a monthly rent of Rs 40,000. Our family depends on a single income. I recently built a house and am still paying a monthly loan of Rs 16,000,” he said.
He added that while many in the town support him, good deeds often go unrecognised. — With Inputs from PTI
