In the quiet town of Kotdwar in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district, a seemingly ordinary dispute over a shop's name has escalated into a national conversation about communal harmony and individual courage. The incident, which unfolded in late January 2026, centers around a Muslim-owned shop named "Baba School Dress and Matching Centre," run by Mohammad Shoaib Ahmed, a 70-year-old man suffering from Parkinson's disease. Local members of the Hindutva group Bajrang Dal objected to the use of the word "Baba," associating it with Hindu religious connotations, and demanded its removal.
The confrontation began on January 26 when a group of men approached Ahmed's shop, harassing him and insisting on the name change. The shop, which has operated under the same name for nearly 30 years, became the flashpoint for tensions that had been simmering in the area. Videos captured the heated exchange, showing the group using abusive language and attempting to intimidate the elderly shopkeeper.
Enter Deepak Kumar, a 37-year-old local gym owner known for his fitness training business, Hulk Gym. Witnessing the harassment, Kumar intervened, questioning the group's motives and defending Ahmed's right to name his shop as he pleased. In a moment that would soon go viral, when asked for his name by the agitators, Kumar boldly responded, "My name is Mohammad Deepak." This statement, blending his Hindu identity with a Muslim name, was intended to underscore the absurdity of communal divisions and emphasize shared citizenship.
The video of the incident spread rapidly across social media platforms, garnering millions of views and sparking widespread support for Kumar. Prominent figures, including politicians like Rahul Gandhi, praised his actions as a symbol of unity and resistance against divisive forces. However, the backlash was swift. Kumar began receiving threats from unidentified individuals, and protests were organized outside his gym, demanding action against him.
In response to the escalating situation, local authorities filed multiple First Information Reports (FIRs). One FIR was lodged against 30-40 unidentified people for creating communal tension and blocking roads. Another was based on Ahmed's complaint against the harassers for abusive language and public disturbance. Controversially, an FIR was also filed against Kumar and his friend Vijay Rawat on charges of criminal intimidation, voluntary causing hurt, rioting, and breach of peace. This move drew outrage from supporters who viewed it as an attempt to silence dissent.
Despite the threats and legal challenges, Kumar remains resolute. In interviews, he expressed no regrets, stating that someone had to speak up against injustice. "I couldn't just stand by and watch an elderly man being bullied," he said. "We are all Indians first, and these divisions only harm our society." His gym has been temporarily shut down for safety reasons, and his daughter has skipped school due to fears of reprisal.
The incident has highlighted broader issues of communal polarization in Uttarakhand, a state that has seen similar disputes in recent years. Analysts point to the role of social media in amplifying such events, both in spreading hate and in mobilizing support for progressive voices. As the dust settles in Kotdwar, with heavy police presence maintaining order, the story of "Mohammad Deepak" serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of communal harmony and the power of individual acts of bravery.
Authorities have urged calm and are investigating the threats against Kumar. Community leaders from both sides have called for dialogue to prevent further escalation. The event has also prompted discussions on the need for stricter regulations against hate speech and mob harassment, ensuring that India's diverse fabric remains intact.