Three cases have registered after a controversy broke out over Bajrang Dal’s protest against a shop being named “Baba” by a person from a minority community, officials said.
A warning was issued by the police stating that strict action will be taken against those attempting to disturb communal harmony in the town.
The dispute began when Bajrang Dal workers objected to the name “Baba Dress,” a shop owned by Mohammad Shoaib in Kotdwar. They claimed the name could be confused with “Siddhbali Baba,” a well-known Hanuman temple in the town, and demanded that the shop owner change it, police said.
Nearly two and a half months ago, Bajrang Dal workers pressurised Shoaib to change the shop’s name. Shoaib told them he would do so after shifting the shop to a new location.
Around 10–15 days back, Shoaib shifted his shop around 30–40 metres from its earlier location on Patel Marg. However, protests against the shop name resurfaced despite the relocation.
On January 28, Bajrang Dal workers gathered outside the shop and clashed with Shoaib and his friend, Deepak Kumar, a local gym owner, police said.
During the confrontation, Chand allegedly introduced himself as Mohammad Deepak and forced the protesters to leave the spot.
Tensions rose further on January 31 when Bajrang Dal workers, led by Gau Raksha Dal state head Naresh Uniyal, reached the shop again to continue their protest. A large number of people assembled, raising slogans and demanding the arrest of Deepak Kumar, accusing him of posting objectionable content online, police said.
The protesters again fought with Shoaib and his associates, creating tension in the area.
However, timely police intervention averted the situation from escalating further. Authorities acted quickly to control the crowd and avoid any violence.
After the protests, Kotdwar police on Sunday registered three separate cases. The first case was registered against 30–40 unidentified persons for disturbing public peace, obstructing government work, and manhandling police personnel under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The second case was registered based on a complaint by local resident Vakil Ahmed, who accused the protesters of using abusive and casteist language and causing public disturbance.
The third case was registered following a complaint by Kamal Prasad, another resident, who alleged that gym owner Deepak Kumar and his associates used derogatory language and issued threats during the January 28 clash.
To prevent further unrest, police conducted a flag march in Kotdwar on February 1 to maintain law and order. During the flag march, police personnel patrolled main markets, sensitive zones, public spaces, and residential areas on foot, appealing to residents to maintain peace, restraint, and communal harmony.
Also Read: Over 34,000 pilgrims visit Char Dham winter seats
Follow us
