My name is Mohammad Deepak How an Uttarakhand shop name became communal flashpoint
“My Name Is Mohammad Deepak”: How a Dispute Over a Shop Name in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar Became a Communal Flashpoint
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Date: February 4, 2026
KOTDWAR, Uttarakhand — A disagreement over the name of a long-standing shop in this Pauri Garhwal town has evolved into a broader communal flashpoint, drawing police action, multiple First Information Reports (FIRs), public protests, and heated debate on social media. The controversy grew after a local man, Deepak Kumar, intervened to defend an elderly Muslim shopkeeper and in the process identified himself in a viral video as “Mohammad Deepak,” a phrase that became a rallying cry and the centrepiece of intense public discussion.
Dispute Begins Over Shop Name
The episode traces back to January 26, when a group of men — reportedly claiming affiliation with Bajrang Dal — confronted 70-year-old shopkeeper Vakil Ahmed outside his garment store, Baba School Dress, on Patel Marg in Kotdwar. The men allegedly demanded he remove the word “Baba” from his shop’s name, contending it was linked to religious figures and should not be used by someone they perceived as outside their faith. Ahmed has operated the shop under the same name for roughly three decades, according to his complaint to police.
Officials at the Kotdwar Police Station confirmed the complaint and registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of criminal intimidation and assault against the named suspects and unidentified associates.
Moment That Sparked Wider Controversy
A short video of the ensuing confrontation went viral online. In it, Deepak Kumar — a local gym owner who happened to be present — challenged the group, questioning why shop names using “Baba” were acceptable in other contexts but not for Ahmed’s business. When members of the crowd asked him about his identity, Kumar responded: “Mera naam Mohammad Deepak hai (My name is Mohammad Deepak).” This remark garnered widespread attention and became a focal point for both criticism and commendation across social media platforms.
In interviews with media, Kumar explained that his statement was meant to emphasise unity and equal citizenship before the law rather than any religious assertion, stating he was defending the principle that no individual should be harassed for their faith or business identity.
Escalation and Law-and-Order Response
Following the viral spread of the video, tensions in Kotdwar increased. On January 31, a larger group of protesters — some reportedly from outside the town — gathered near the market, chanting slogans and raising objections to Kumar’s involvement. In response, police stepped up security with additional patrols, flag marches, and vehicle checks to maintain public order. Authorities have warned against provocative actions and said social media content about the dispute is being closely monitored for potential violations of public-order laws.
FIRs and Legal Action
As the situation developed, authorities registered three separate FIRs: one based on Ahmed’s complaint against the protesters, another against Kumar and an associate following a complaint by a local resident, and a third FIR by police against unidentified persons linked to the protests. Law enforcement officials described these as precautionary steps to address public disturbance, intimidation, and related allegations.
Personal Impact and Public Reactions
The controversy has had personal consequences for Kumar. Reports indicate he temporarily closed his gym and has limited his public movement amid threats. He has received both support and hostility online, with some public figures praising his stance against intimidation and others criticising his actions.
Community voices have varied, with supporters of Kumar framing the episode as a defence of pluralism and critics claiming he inflamed communal sensitivities. Authorities have not attributed the incident to any legal violation by Ahmed or imposed any order to change the shop’s name.
Current Situation
Police say the law-and-order environment in Kotdwar is currently stable, and they will pursue legal action where warranted to prevent further escalation. Officials emphasised that maintaining peace and communal harmony remains the administration’s priority, and they discouraged the spread of unverified information related to the issue.
Sources
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India Today: My name is Mohammad Deepak: How an Uttarakhand shop name became communal flashpoint
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Madhyamam Online: Security tightened in Kotdwar as ‘Mohammad Deepak’ row sparks political standoff
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The Indian Express: ‘Mera naam Mohammad Deepak’: Uttarakhand man stood up to harassment of a shopkeeper
Tags
Uttarakhand, Communal Harmony, Law and Order, Social Media, India News
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