Kotdwar Tensions: A Family in the Crosshairs of Harmony and Hate

New Delhi, February 4, 2026: What began as a defiant stand for communal harmony on a quiet street in Kotdwar has spiraled into a harrowing ordeal for 46-year-old gym owner Deepak Kumar. Known to many now by the moniker “Mohammad Deepak,” a name he used in a viral moment of solidarity, Kumar’s life has been upended. While he is hailed as a hero by some, his family is currently living in a state of self-imposed confinement, paralyzed by fear and financial instability.

A Stand for Humanity

The controversy erupted on January 26, 2026, when Kumar intervened to protect Vakeel Ahmed, a 70-year-old shopkeeper suffering from Parkinson’s disease. A group of right-wing activists had descended upon Ahmed’s shop, “Baba School Dress,” demanding he remove the word “Baba” from the signage, claiming it belonged exclusively to Hindu religious figures.

In a video that reached millions, Kumar confronted the group, famously stating, “Mera naam Mohammad Deepak hai” (My name is Mohammad Deepak), to emphasize that identity should not be a barrier to justice.

The Human Cost: Fear at Home

While the internet celebrates his courage, the reality inside Kumar’s home is grim. The spotlight has brought a wave of intimidation that has hit his most vulnerable family members the hardest.

• Education Halted: Kumar’s young daughter, a student in lower kindergarten, has been forced to stop attending school. Concerns for her safety in the charged atmosphere have kept her indoors for over a week.
• Livelihood Hit: Kumar’s gym, his primary source of income for two decades, has remained shuttered due to protests outside the premises and police restrictions. With a monthly rent of approximately ₹50,000, the financial strain is mounting rapidly.
• Family Anxiety: His 70-year-old mother, who still runs a small tea stall to support the family, and his wife are reportedly living in a constant state of anxiety as protesters have gathered near their residence multiple times.

“I am not worried about myself, but about my family, who are struggling to deal with everything that is happening,” Kumar told reporters on Wednesday.

Legal and Political Crossfire

The situation has become a political flashpoint. While Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has hailed Kumar as a “lion-hearted warrior,” local authorities have registered three separate FIRs.

Current Status

As of February 4, 2026, the Uttarakhand police have intensified patrols and restricted the entry of social media influencers into the town to prevent further escalation. Despite the FIRs and the closure of his business, Kumar remains resolute, stating that his actions were inspired by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the “true meaning of Sanatan Dharma.”

For the residents of Kotdwar, the shop name “Baba” remains unchanged by order of the administration, but the peace of the town—and the safety of one family—remains precariously balanced.