Police in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals following a protest by Bajrang Dal members against Deepak Kumar, a local gym owner.
The action came after Kumar intervened to stop the harassment of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper, Vakeel Ahmed, over his shop’s name.
The incident began on January 26 (Republic Day) when a group allegedly from Bajrang Dal confronted 70-year-old Ahmed at his 30-year-old shop, “Baba School Dress,” demanding he remove “Baba” from the name, claiming it was exclusive to Hindus.
Kumar, present nearby, challenged the group in a viral video, questioning the double standards and declaring, “My name is Mohammad Deepak,” to emphasize equality before the law and that all Indians are equal.
He later explained to media that the statement aimed to convey unity and fairness under the Indian Constitution.
Tensions escalated on Saturday when around 30-40 people, many arriving from Dehradun and Haridwar and identifying as Bajrang Dal members, gathered near Kumar’s gym in Kotdwar.
They raised slogans against him, blocked the national highway for about an hour, disrupted traffic including ambulances, removed police barriers, intimidated officers, and used language deemed to hurt religious sentiments while marching to the shop and other areas.
A sub-inspector’s complaint led to the FIR on Sunday under sections for unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants, and promoting enmity.
Police cited the creation of fear, panic, and threats to communal harmony.
Pauri Garhwal SSP Sarvesh Panwar confirmed the FIR was based on police observations. He noted a separate FIR exists from the shopkeeper’s complaint about the initial harassment.
Investigations are ongoing using video footage to identify participants, with additional forces deployed for security. Authorities are in contact with both sides and urging calm to preserve harmony.
Bajrang Dal leaders were unavailable for comment, though some reports indicate they view their actions as legitimate.
The episode has highlighted local communal tensions amid the viral support for Kumar’s stand. — With Agencies Inputs
The action came after Kumar intervened to stop the harassment of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper, Vakeel Ahmed, over his shop’s name.
The incident began on January 26 (Republic Day) when a group allegedly from Bajrang Dal confronted 70-year-old Ahmed at his 30-year-old shop, “Baba School Dress,” demanding he remove “Baba” from the name, claiming it was exclusive to Hindus.
Kumar, present nearby, challenged the group in a viral video, questioning the double standards and declaring, “My name is Mohammad Deepak,” to emphasize equality before the law and that all Indians are equal.
He later explained to media that the statement aimed to convey unity and fairness under the Indian Constitution.
Tensions escalated on Saturday when around 30-40 people, many arriving from Dehradun and Haridwar and identifying as Bajrang Dal members, gathered near Kumar’s gym in Kotdwar.
They raised slogans against him, blocked the national highway for about an hour, disrupted traffic including ambulances, removed police barriers, intimidated officers, and used language deemed to hurt religious sentiments while marching to the shop and other areas.
A sub-inspector’s complaint led to the FIR on Sunday under sections for unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants, and promoting enmity.
Police cited the creation of fear, panic, and threats to communal harmony.
Pauri Garhwal SSP Sarvesh Panwar confirmed the FIR was based on police observations. He noted a separate FIR exists from the shopkeeper’s complaint about the initial harassment.
Investigations are ongoing using video footage to identify participants, with additional forces deployed for security. Authorities are in contact with both sides and urging calm to preserve harmony.
Bajrang Dal leaders were unavailable for comment, though some reports indicate they view their actions as legitimate.
The episode has highlighted local communal tensions amid the viral support for Kumar’s stand. — With Agencies Inputs