Police in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, have registered multiple first information reports (FIRs) after tensions flared over protests linked to a dispute surrounding a local shop’s name and a subsequent confrontation involving a gym owner who intervened in its defence.
The incident traces back to January 26, when a group allegedly affiliated with the Bajrang Dal confronted Wakeel Ahmed, the owner of a garment shop named Baba School Dress. The group reportedly objected to the use of the word “Baba” in the shop’s name, arguing that it should be reserved for Hindu religious figures. Ahmed later told police that he was harassed and pressured to rename his establishment.
The situation escalated when Deepak Kumar, a local gym owner, stepped in during the confrontation to support Ahmed. In a video that later circulated online, Kumar is heard identifying himself as “Mohammad Deepak,” which he later said was meant to emphasise his belief in equality and constitutional rights, rather than indicate a change of identity.
Days later, on January 31, a larger crowd—estimated by police to include 30 to 40 people—assembled near Kumar’s gym. According to authorities, the group raised slogans, blocked traffic on the national highway, and attempted to intimidate police personnel. The crowd subsequently moved toward Ahmed’s shop, where abusive slogans were raised, prompting concerns over communal unrest. Police intervened to disperse the gathering and prevent further escalation.
Three FIRs have since been filed. One pertains to the January 31 protest, naming unidentified individuals for allegedly obstructing public movement, disturbing communal harmony, and manhandling police officers. A second FIR is based on Ahmed’s complaint regarding intimidation and harassment over his shop’s name. The third was lodged by a local resident, Kamal Prasad, accusing Kumar and others of using derogatory language and issuing threats during an earlier confrontation on January 28.
Pauri Garhwal Senior Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar said investigations are ongoing and that video footage is being examined to identify those involved. Additional police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas, and authorities conducted a flag march on February 1 to reassure residents and maintain law and order. Panwar also urged citizens to exercise restraint and help preserve communal harmony.
Meanwhile, Kumar has drawn significant attention on social media, where he has been both praised and targeted with threats. In a video posted on Instagram, he said, “I am a human being first. This country needs love and compassion, not hatred.” He has stated that despite intimidation, he does not intend to retreat from his position. Police have reiterated warnings against attempts to disrupt peace in Kotdwar, stating that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the law.
