A local gym owner’s defiant stand against communal intimidation has turned the quiet town of Kotdwar into a focal point of national debate. Deepak Kumar Kashyap, now widely referred to by his self-appointed moniker “Mohammad Deepak,” is facing intense backlash from right-wing groups after intervening to protect an elderly Muslim shopkeeper.
The Incident: January 26, 2026
The trouble began on Republic Day when a group of men, claiming to be members of the Bajrang Dal, entered a 30-year-old shop named “Baba School Dress” (or Baba Collection) on Patel Marg. The men demanded that the 70-year-old owner, Vakeel Ahmed, change the name of his shop, arguing that a Muslim-owned business should not use the word “Baba.”
Deepak Kumar, a local fitness influencer and gym owner, was at a neighboring shop and witnessed the harassment. When he confronted the group, they demanded to know his identity. In a moment of symbolic defiance, Deepak replied:
“My name is Mohammad Deepak. Do you have a problem with that?”
Deepak later clarified that his intention was to signal that as an Indian, he stands for equality and that faith should not dictate one’s right to do business.
Escalation and Protests: February 1, 2026
The situation took a volatile turn this weekend. Following a viral video of the January 26 confrontation, nearly 150 activists from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar converged on Kotdwar on Saturday.
• Mob Action: The protesters targeted Deepak’s gym, raising slogans and allegedly threatening his family.
• Police Intervention: The heavy presence of police was required to prevent the situation from spiraling into a riot.
• Shop Renaming: Under pressure from the mob, the elderly shopkeeper was reportedly forced to alter his shop’s signage to avoid further conflict.
Legal Action and FIRs
The Uttarakhand Police have registered two separate FIRs to maintain law and order:
1. First FIR: Based on Vakeel Ahmed’s complaint, police booked several individuals under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections for voluntarily causing hurt (Section 115(2)) and criminal intimidation (Section 351(2)).
2. Second FIR: Filed against approximately 30–40 unidentified individuals for inciting communal disharmony, obstructing a national highway, and manhandling police personnel during the Saturday protests.
The Aftermath
While Deepak Kumar has been hailed by many on social media as a symbol of the “Idea of India,” he has also become a target for online abuse and local protests. Right-wing handles have labeled him a “traitor,” while others have offered him awards for his bravery in protecting a vulnerable citizen.
As of today, February 1, 2026, the administration has conducted flag marches in Kotdwar to ensure peace. The case remains a high-stakes test for the local authorities in balancing free speech, religious sentiments, and public safety.
Shubhankar Shukla is the Editor of Roots Alert, a Chhattisgarh-based publication dedicated to public interest journalism. With a background in Mass Communication, Shubhankar focuses on amplifying grassroots voices and reporting on civic issues often overlooked by mainstream media. Guided by the mission of “connecting you to the core,” he strives to deliver credible, people-centric news rooted in accountability and social relevance.
