Baba Clothes Shopkeeper's Son Speaks: 'Why Change Name? Everyone Supports Us'
In Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district, the family behind Baba Clothes store has firmly declared they will not change their shop's name despite recent harassment and intimidation. The shop became the center of controversy after a video went viral showing gym owner Deepak Kumar confronting a mob that was pressuring the elderly shopkeeper to remove the word 'Baba' from the store signage.
'Deepak Stepped In and the Rest Is History'
Shoaib Ahmed, the 38-year-old son of shopkeeper Vakeel Ahmed, shared the family's perspective with The Indian Express. "Before this incident, the group had asked us to take down the board with the name Baba, but we ignored them," Ahmed revealed. "They asked us to print our names on the board instead of Baba. On January 26, the men were intimidating us to change the name of the shop. Hearing the commotion, Deepak stepped in, and the rest is history."
The viral video captured Kumar telling the mob, "My name is Mohammad Deepak," as he stood up for 70-year-old Vakeel Ahmed. The incident has since sparked widespread attention and debate across social media platforms and news outlets.
Police Action and Continued Support
Following the confrontation, police have filed an FIR against unknown persons after Bajrang Dal members gathered and raised slogans against Deepak Kumar. The legal action comes days after Kumar's intervention to protect the elderly shopkeeper from harassment.
Ahmed described a particularly frightening moment: "On Saturday, I had left the shop to fetch my children from school when a large gathering assembled in front and started hurling abuses. That was when I got scared. I did not return that day. My father stayed put as he suffers from Parkinson's disease."
Three Decades of Business and Community Standing
The Ahmed family has been operating their clothing business for 30 years in the region, establishing deep roots within the local community. Despite the recent tensions, they remain committed to maintaining their shop's identity and legacy.
"Ab kyun hataun? Sab hamare saath hain," Ahmed stated emphatically, translating to "Why will I change it; everyone is with us." He added, "It is heartwarming that there are people who can stand by us in times of crisis."
The family's determination reflects broader questions about business identity, community relations, and individual rights in contemporary India. As the situation continues to develop, the Baba Clothes store remains operational with its original name intact, supported by both local residents and national attention drawn to their plight.
