7 months ago
Uttarakhand Shop Name Dispute Resolved
A gym owner named Deepak Kumar stood up for an elderly Muslim shopkeeper who was being harassed for using 'Baba' in his shop name.
A mob, claiming to be members of the Bajrang Dal, protested against Deepak Kumar, blocked a national highway, and raised religious slogans.
The police filed an FIR against unknown persons for unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants.
Deepak Kumar identified himself as 'Mohammad Deepak' to emphasize equality before the law.
The police are investigating the incident and have deployed additional forces to maintain communal harmony.
The dispute was resolved with the shop name remaining 'Baba' and the Bajrang Dal agreeing to cease protests.
Deepak Kumar, a gym owner, intervened to protect a Muslim shopkeeper from harassment over his shop name.
A mob protested against Kumar, blocking a national highway and raising religious slogans.
The police filed an FIR against unknown persons for unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants.
Kumar identified himself as 'Mohammad Deepak' to emphasize equality before the law.
The dispute was resolved with the shop name remaining 'Baba' and the Bajrang Dal agreeing to cease protests.
- Who
- Deepak Kumar (gym owner), Vakeel Ahmed (shopkeeper), Bajrang Dal members, and local police.
- What
- A mob protested against Deepak Kumar for defending a Muslim shopkeeper, leading to an FIR being filed against unknown persons.
- Where
- The incident took place in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
- When
- The incident occurred on January 26, and the FIR was registered on Sunday.
- Why
- The protesters objected to the use of 'Baba' in the shopkeeper's shop name and targeted Deepak Kumar for intervening.
Bajrang Dal
Deepak Kumar and Shopkeeper
Shop Name Dispute
Bajrang Dal
Objected to the use of 'Baba' in a Muslim shopkeeper's shop name, claiming it was inappropriate.
Deepak Kumar and Shopkeeper
Defended the shopkeeper's right to use 'Baba' in his shop name, arguing that the shop had been using the name for 30 years.
Intervention
Bajrang Dal
Asked Deepak Kumar not to intervene in the matter and later protested against him.
Deepak Kumar and Shopkeeper
Intervened to protect the shopkeeper and stood up for his rights, identifying himself as 'Mohammad Deepak' to emphasize equality before the law.
Key facts
- Date of Incident
- January 26
- Location
- Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- FIR Registered Under
- Sections of unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants, and promoting enmity
- Number of Protesters
- Around 30-40 people
- Organizations Involved
- Bajrang Dal
- Police Action
- FIR registered, additional forces deployed, investigation underway
- Resolution
- Shop name remains 'Baba', Bajrang Dal agrees to cease protests
- Flag March
- Conducted to maintain peace and security
Timeline
Bhopal cop orders gym to bar Muslims, sparks outrage.
Viral post ignites controversy, fuels anti-Muslim sentiment.
Dehradun gym owner stands up for Muslim shopkeeper.
Mob blocks highway, raises slogans against gym owner.
FIR filed against unknown protesters.
Quotes
FIR
First Information Report filed by a police officer
“[They] began sloganeering using words that hurt religious sentiments.”
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“The group...reached Baba Dress shop and started raising slogans in front of the shop and used abusive language while spreading religious frenzy.”
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Deepak Kumar
Hindu gym owner who intervened to protect a Muslim shopkeeper
“My name is Mohammad Deepak.”
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“I am neither a Hindu, neither a Muslim, neither a Sikh, nor a Christian. First and foremost, I am a human being. Because after I die, I have to answer to God and to humanity, not to any religion.”
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Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader
“The Sangh Parivar is deliberately spreading economic and social poison across the country so that India remains divided and a few individuals can continue to rule through fear. The BJP government in Uttarakhand is openly supporting anti-social forces that are engaged in intimidating and harassing ordinary citizens.”
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Sources
Uttarakhand: 3 cases filed after Bajrang Dal protests over shop name in Kotdwar
Uttarakhand: FIR filed after mob protests Hindu man who objected to Muslim shopkeeper’s harassment
Controversy over shop’s name in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar resolved: Police
After clashes and protests, U'khand shop allowed to keep its name
