Uttarakhand police have registered an FIR against Deepak Kumar and Vijay Rawat, two men who intervened when members of right-wing groups allegedly harassed an elderly Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar on January 26, demanding that he change the name of his shop.
The police also lodged an FIR against two named and several unnamed men on the complaint of Muslim businessman Ahmed Wakil, who runs ‘Baba school dress’. The charges include trespassing, willful insults intended to cause a disturbance, intimidation and assault.
Another FIR was registered against unnamed members of right-wing groups on charges of breach of peace for blocking a national highway on January 31 to express their anger over the intervention of Mr. Kumar and Mr. Rawat. All three FIRs were lodged on Saturday (January 31, 2026) evening, police said.
Sarvesh Panwar, Superintendent of Police, Pauri Garhwal, told The Hindu on Sunday (February 1, 2026) that the FIR against Mr Kumar and Mr Rawat was filed on the basis of a complaint filed by Gaurav Kashyap and Kamal Pal, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal respectively. They were charged with criminal intimidation, voluntary bodily harm, disorderly conduct and breach of the peace.
“The complainants alleged that the men (Kumar and Rawat) attacked them with the intention of harming them. They also alleged that their money, watches and phones were stolen and that casteists hurled abuse at them to intimidate them. The complainants alleged that they went to the spot as part of a door-to-door initiative.”
On January 26, VHP and Bajrang Dal members reportedly confronted Mr. Wakil over the name of his shop and demanded that he change it. Mr Kumar and Mr Rawat, who run a gym nearby, defended the shopkeeper. In a purported video of the incident, when the crowd asks for his name, Mr. Kumar replies, “I am Mohammed Deepak.”
According to the police, members of right-wing groups raised slogans and took out marches in Kotdwar demanding action against Mr. Kumar and Mr. Rawat. They also blocked the state highway leading to traffic disruption.
Police said the FIR was lodged against members of right-wing groups to maintain law and order and prevent escalation of tension in the area. Mr Kumar said his life was in danger and asked why the police had filed an FIR against him while those who “abused the Muslim businessman are walking freely”.
“Examining the Evidence”
A senior police officer said all cases are being investigated in accordance with the law and no one found guilty will be spared. “We are examining all available evidence, including video footage, and taking statements from those involved. Action will be taken purely on legal grounds,” the officer said.
The incident drew criticism from civil rights activists and sections of the public who questioned the decision to book Mr. Kumar and Mr. Rawat. He argues that the focus should be on protecting citizens from intimidation and ensuring harmony in society.
Meanwhile, police have increased deployment of personnel in sensitive areas of Kotdwar to prevent further unrest. Authorities urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information on social media.
“Warrior with a Lion’s Heart”
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, X, praised Mr. Kumar’s intervention. “Deepak is fighting for the Constitution and humanity – a Constitution that the BJP and the Sangh Parivar conspire to trample underfoot every day. He is a living symbol of the trade of love in the market of hate, and that is what stings those in power the most,” the post read.
The Sangh Parivar is “deliberately poisoning the economy and society of the country to keep India divided” and a few continue to rule on the crutches of fear, he said. “The BJP government of Uttarakhand is openly siding with those anti-social forces who are involved in intimidation and harassment of common citizens,” he added.
“No country can move forward in an atmosphere of hatred, fear and anarchy. Without peace, development is just an empty slogan. We need more Deepaks – those who don’t bend, don’t fear and stand firm behind the constitution with all their might. We are with you brother. Don’t be afraid. You are a warrior with a lion’s heart,” the post added.
Published – 1 Feb 2026 22:57 IST