After standing up to Bajrang Dal activists who were reportedly pressurising a 70-year-old shopkeeper to change his shop’s name, ‘Mohammed Deepak’ suddenly found himself in the national spotlight. Gym owner Deepak said the fame came as a surprise and added that he does not want the Rs 2 lakh reward announced by the Jharkhand government.
“Give it to someone who really needs it,” the 42-year-old, whose real name is Deepak Kumar said as he found himself making headlines and becoming a social media sensation.
Recalling the incident of January 28, Kumar said Bajrang Dal activists had gathered outside a clothing store named “Baba” on Patel Marg to pressurise its owner, Vakil Ahmed (70), to change the shop’s name.
“There was some pushing and shoving. During this, a man asked my name. I burst out angrily that my name was ‘Mohammad Deepak’,” he said.
Kumar admitted he had no idea the incident would escalate to such an extent. On January 31, Bajrang Dal members again assembled outside the shop, raising slogans and demanding his arrest, accusing him of posting controversial content online.
While police registered two cases against the protesters, an FIR was also lodged against Kumar in connection with the incident.
A video showing Kumar coming to the defence of the elderly Muslim shopkeeper went viral on social media, instantly turning him into an online celebrity. Several leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, praised his courage and described him as a “hero”.
Kumar said he was grateful for the support he received from former Congress ministers Surendra Singh Negi and Harak Singh Rawat. However, he clarified that he has no political affiliations, responding to questions about photographs showing him with local Congress leaders.
Kumar said he learned about the Rs 2 lakh reward announced by Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari through social media.
"Rs 2 lakh is a huge amount, but if the minister gives this amount to a disabled person or any other needy person, it will be really commendable," he said.
Meanwhile, the police has been placed on high alert.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and security personnel have been deployed as a precaution outside Kumar’s gym and at other sensitive locations.
In addition, intensive vehicle checks are being carried out at the Kaudiya border adjoining Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district to prevent the entry of any anti-social elements and maintain peace in Kotdwar.
Also Read: Three cases filed after Bajrang Dal protest in Kotdwar
Follow us
