Uttarakhand Gym Owner Faces Protests After Standing Up for Harassed Shopkeeper
In a disturbing incident from Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district, a local gym owner is now facing organized protests and threats after he courageously intervened to protect a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper from harassment. The case highlights growing tensions over communal issues in the region.
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
Deepak Kumar, who operates a gym in Kotdwar, was visiting a friend's shop on January 26 when he overheard several men aggressively confronting Vakeel Ahmed, the elderly shopkeeper next door. The men were demanding that Ahmed remove the word 'Baba' from his shop name, Baba School Dress, which has operated on Patel Marg for three decades.
"The 70-year-old man was asked to change the name of his shop from 'Baba' to something else because he was not Hindu," Kumar recounted to The Indian Express. "I asked them not to threaten an old man."
When the harassers questioned Kumar about his identity during the confrontation, he responded defiantly: "My name is Mohammad Deepak." He later explained this was meant to convey that all Indians are equal before the law, regardless of religious background.
Escalation and Organized Backlash
While the initial confrontation ended with the group dispersing, the situation escalated dramatically days later. On Saturday, more than 40 people gathered at a park in Kotdwar, raising slogans specifically against Kumar for his intervention.
"I was intimidated and threats were levelled against my family," Kumar revealed. "Police were present there, but a large group of people were raising slogans at the park."
Despite filing a formal police complaint about the organized protest and threats, Kumar says authorities have yet to register a First Information Report (FIR) in his case. Police officials confirmed receiving the complaint but stated they would conduct an inquiry before proceeding with formal charges.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
Meanwhile, shopkeeper Vakeel Ahmed has successfully filed an FIR at Kotdwar police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). His complaint details how three to four individuals claiming Bajrang Dal affiliation threatened him on January 26, demanding he change his shop's name and warning of serious consequences if he refused.
Congress senior vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana has expressed concern about the incident's impact on Uttarakhand's reputation, noting it follows other troubling events including attacks on students from the Northeast and Kashmiri youths in Vikasnagar.
"These incidents are also disturbing communal harmony across the state, which must be urgently addressed," Dhasmana emphasized.
Standing Firm Despite Pressure
Deepak Kumar remains resolute despite the organized opposition he now faces. "Despite the resistance to my act, I don't think I did anything wrong," he stated firmly. "I am not going back on my words because I have always stood up for the right thing."
He explained his motivation simply: "The man was too frail to stand up to the mob. I didn't know him well, but I said what I thought was right."
Kumar had reportedly warned police in advance about potential trouble following the viral spread of video footage from the initial confrontation, expressing concern that tense situations could develop if proper precautions weren't taken.
As investigations continue, this case raises important questions about:
- Protection of minority rights in Uttarakhand
- Police responsiveness to communal tensions
- The risks faced by those who intervene in harassment situations
- Growing patterns of intimidation against business owners
The incident in Kotdwar represents yet another test for communal harmony in Uttarakhand, with authorities now under pressure to ensure both justice and social peace in the sensitive matter.
