Archive · 2 Feb 2026
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.
- When
- The incident occurred on January 26, and the FIR was registered on Sunday.
- Where
- The incident took place in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
- 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.
- 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
Sources
FIR in Uttarakhand after mob protests against ‘Mohammad Deepak’, gym owner who stood up for elderly shopkeeper
Controversy over shop’s name in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar resolved: Police
After clashes and protests, U'khand shop allowed to keep its name
Uttarakhand: FIR filed after mob protests Hindu man who objected to Muslim shopkeeper’s harassment