New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday met Deepak Kumar, a gymnasium owner from Uttarakhand who recently made headlines after identifying himself as “Mohammad Deepak” while defending a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper from an alleged mob attack.
After the meeting in Delhi, Deepak told reporters that Rahul Gandhi reassured him and his family, saying there was “no need to fear”.
“Rahul Gandhi ji had called me to meet him. He spoke to my family and explained to me that there is no need to fear, you have not done anything wrong,” Deepak Kumar said.
Incident in Kotdwar
The controversy dates back to January 26, when a group allegedly targeted Vakil Ahmed’s shop, Baba School Dress, in Kotdwar town of Uttarakhand. The shop is located on Badrinath Road, a busy commercial stretch.
The mob reportedly objected to the name “Baba”, claiming it could be confused with the nearby Siddhbali Baba temple. However, several locals pointed out that multiple establishments in the area use the word “Baba” in their names, raising allegations that the elderly shopkeeper was singled out because of his religious identity.
When tensions escalated, Deepak Kumar intervened in support of the shopkeeper. According to those present, members of the group demanded to know his name. In response, he declared, “My name is Mohammad Deepak,” in what he later described as a symbolic gesture against communal targeting.
Economic boycott and impact
Following the incident, Deepak claimed he has been facing a severe economic backlash.
Before the controversy, his Hulk Gym in Kotdwar reportedly had around 150 members. That number has now fallen sharply to about 15, severely affecting his livelihood.
The gym owner said the boycott has put financial strain on his family, but he maintains that he has no regrets about standing up for the elderly shopkeeper.
Political leaders from various parties have since reached out to him in solidarity.
Political reactions
Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Deepak has added a political dimension to the episode. According to Deepak, the Congress leader also expressed his intention to visit Kotdwar and take membership at his gym as a symbolic gesture of support.
In a post on social media platform X, the Indian National Congress described Deepak as an example of unity and courage.
“Mohammad Deepak has set an example of unity, brotherhood and courage — one that will inspire every young person in the country to muster the courage to fight against injustice and hatred. Deepak is a warrior of the ‘Shop of Love’ — the entire country takes pride in him,” the party wrote.
In another post, the Congress shared photographs of Rahul Gandhi and Deepak embracing, captioning it: “Two Brothers — Soldiers of Love.”
Support from other leaders
The incident has drawn attention beyond the Congress. John Brittas, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), visited Kotdwar earlier and symbolically signed up for a membership at Deepak’s gym.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also met and honoured Deepak, referring to him as the “Lamp of Love” from Uttarakhand.
“Young men like Deepak are the future of India. Salute to Deepak’s courage against hatred,” Pratapgarhi wrote on X.
Broader debate
The episode has sparked a wider debate on communal harmony, economic boycotts and the role of individuals in defusing tense situations.
While supporters have praised Deepak’s act as a stand for unity, critics argue that the issue has been politicised. Local authorities have not publicly detailed the outcome of any inquiry into the January 26 incident.
For Deepak, however, the focus remains on rebuilding his business and restoring normalcy.
“I only did what I felt was right at that moment,” he said, reiterating that he stood up to prevent harm to an elderly man.
As political leaders weigh in and the issue continues to resonate on social media, the Kotdwar incident underscores how local disputes can quickly take on national significance in an increasingly polarised climate.