Kotdwar: Tension flared in Kotdwar on January 28, 2026, after members of a right-wing organisation objected to the name of a shop run by a Muslim family, triggering a confrontation that has since gone viral on social media.<br /><br />The incident occurred at Baba School Dress and Matching Centre on Patel Marg, a shop run for over 30 years by Wakeel Ahmed and his son Shoaib. A group of activists from the Bajrang Dal reportedly reached the shop and demanded that the word “Baba” be removed from its name, arguing that a Muslim-owned establishment should not use a term associated with Hindu saints.<br /><br />During the confrontation, Deepak Kumar, a local gym trainer, intervened in support of the elderly shopkeeper. He questioned the group’s authority to dictate what name a business could use. When activists allegedly asked for his name and questioned why a Hindu was defending a Muslim, Deepak replied, “My name is Mohammed Deepak,” adding that humanity and citizenship matter more than religious identity. His response was captured on video and widely shared online.<br /><br />Following the incident, activists from nearby areas, including Dehradun, reportedly staged protests against Deepak and his friend Vijay Rawat. As a precautionary measure amid rising tension, police briefly took Deepak to the Kotwali, citing his safety.<br /><br />During the subsequent show of support, several local Muslim youths gathered in solidarity with Deepak. In a symbolic gesture highlighting communal harmony, Deepak and a Muslim youth were seen sharing water from the same bottle, an act that supporters said was meant to challenge social divisions based on religion.<br /><br />Police later intervened to disperse the protesters and restore order in the town. Officials said the situation is under control and peace has been maintained.<br /><br />The episode has sparked widespread discussion on social media, where Deepak has been praised by many for his stand against communal division. In a follow-up video message, he appealed for calm and harmony, urging people to “spread love, not hatred,” and said he considers himself a human being first.<br /><br />#Kotdwar #UttarakhandNews #CommunalHarmony #IdeaOfIndia #ViralVideo #SocialMediaDebate #PeaceAndUnity #IndiaNews
