A gym trainer and another local resident face criminal charges after intervening in an incident where a group allegedly harassed an elderly Muslim shopkeeper and pressured him to change his shop’s name, sparking widespread condemnation and multiple police cases in the town of Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
The episode unfolded on January 26, when members of right-wing groups, including those identifying with Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad, confronted the shopkeeper, identified as Wakil Ahmed (also referred to as Vakeel Ahmed or linked to Mohammad Shoaib), over his establishment named “Baba School Dress” or similar variations like “Baba Dresses.” The group objected to the use of “Baba,” claiming it could cause confusion or was inappropriate, and demanded its removal despite the shop operating for nearly three decades.
Deepak Kumar, a 46-year-old gym owner and fitness trainer also known as Deepak Akki or Deepak Kashyap, along with Vijay Rawat, stepped in to support the shopkeeper. A widely circulated video shows Kumar questioning the group’s actions and, when asked his name, replying “Mohammed Deepak” in a gesture of solidarity. The intervention escalated tensions, leading to verbal exchanges that reportedly turned physical at times.
According to details received by The Chenab Times from police statements and news agency reports, Pauri Garhwal police registered three separate FIRs in connection with the events. One FIR, based on the shopkeeper’s complaint, targets the mob for alleged house-trespass, criminal intimidation, voluntarily causing hurt, and breach of peace under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Another case addresses a subsequent gathering of 30-40 protesters—many from outside Kotdwar—who demonstrated against Kumar on January 31, blocking a national highway and prompting charges of rioting, wrongful restraint, promoting enmity, and other offenses; this was filed on a sub-inspector’s complaint against unidentified persons.
A third FIR names Kumar, Rawat, and associates, following a complaint by Kamal Pal (identified with Bajrang Dal) alleging abuse, assault, and related offenses under sections for voluntarily causing hurt, rioting, criminal intimidation, and breach of peace.
The developments drew protests from civil society. A delegation from the Uttarakhand-based Insaniyat Manch met police officials and submitted a letter to the Director General of Police, describing Kumar’s actions as an “exemplary example of love, brotherhood, and humanity” aligned with constitutional values. The group highlighted that Kumar had earlier faced an attack at his gym, requiring police intervention for his safety, yet no strong action was taken against the attackers while he was booked. It demanded withdrawal of the FIR against him, security for Kumar and Rawat’s families, and action against those spreading hate.
Political figures weighed in, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi praising Kumar as “a hero of India” fighting for the Constitution and humanity amid efforts to divide society. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also commended his stand against hate.
Police officials, including Superintendent Sarvesh Panwar, stated the cases aim to maintain law and order and prevent escalation in the area. Additional forces were deployed, and warnings issued against disturbing communal harmony.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
