'Some people attacked me yesterday': 'Mohammad' Deepak who defended Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar

Gym trainer Deepak Kumar, who defended advocate Ahmed’s Baba School Dress & Matching Centre in Dehradun’s Kotdwar, said that some people attacked him on Wednesday after which the police summoned him to the station and assured him that such incidents would not recur.

Speaking a day after the alleged attack, Deepak said police officials called him to the police station, spoke to him in detail and expressed regret over the incident. “Yesterday, some people attacked me. Afterwards, the police called me to the station and assured me that what happened should not have happened and that it will never happen again,” he said.

Deepak also appealed to people to remain calm and avoid gathering around his house. “Those who want to meet me should wait. When the time comes, we will meet, but right now everyone should stay wherever they are,” he added.

The incident is linked to a dispute that began on January 26, when a group allegedly objected to the name of Vakil Ahmad’s shop, ‘Baba School Dress and Matching Centre’, in Kotdwar. Police said the situation escalated after Deepak confronted the group, which later led to protests on January 31.

The shopkeeper, Ahmad, said his business had been operating for nearly 30 years without any objections to its name. He maintained that the word “Baba" is used across religions and is not exclusive to Hinduism.

After this, Deepak Kumar intervened during the argument and spoke with members of the Bajrang Dal and other groups. As tensions rose and he was questioned about his identity, he introduced himself as Mohammad Deepak, a statement he later explained was intended to symbolise national unity and the equality of all citizens before the law.

Ahmad has also appealed for peace and dismissed rumours circulating on social media. He said Kotdwar has always been a peaceful city and claimed that misleading information was creating unnecessary fear. “Our city is very calm, and the police administration has handled the situation very well. All shops and markets are open and business is running as usual,” Ahmad said.

Senior police officials said the situation is under control. Kotdwar Assistant Superintendent of Police Chandra Mohan Singh said police are conducting foot patrols and flag marches to maintain law and order. He urged people not to spread or believe rumours on social media, adding that misinformation is being closely monitored.

Pauri Garhwal Senior Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar confirmed that FIRs have been registered based on complaints from both sides and video evidence. He warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found disturbing peace or communal harmony.