Kotdwar Tension Over Hindu Sentiments: ‘Mohammad’ Deepak Arrested After Facebook Row.

Mohammad Deepak Arrested by Uttarakhand Police.

Mohammad Deepak Arrested in Kotdwar After Disputed Facebook Posts Against Hindus; Police Deploy Force Amid Tension.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Kotdwar (Uttarakhand) | Oct 2, 2026:: Uttarakhand Police have arrested Deepak Kumar, popularly referred to as “Mohammad Deepak”, following a complaint by local businessman Sanjeev Tonk over an alleged confrontation linked to a social-media post concerning the ongoing controversy over a mosque in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

According to police and reports published on October 1, Tonk alleged that Deepak abused, threatened fror a dire consequences and assaulted him following a disagreement over a Facebook comment. Police registered a case and subsequently took Deepak into custody, reportedly as a preventive measure amid concerns that the dispute could lead to a breach of peace.

The latest arrest has once again brought Deepak into the spotlight in Kotdwar, where he became nationally known earlier this year after intervening during a confrontation involving an elderly Muslim shopkeeper and members of the Bajrang Dal over the use of the word “Baba” in the name of a clothing store.

Dispute Over Facebook Post

The immediate dispute reportedly began after Deepak posted or shared material on social media concerning the recent controversy surrounding the partial demolition of a mosque in Ujjain. A local trader subsequently commented on the post, after which an argument reportedly developed between the two.

A video circulating on social media and reproduced by news organisations purportedly shows Deepak and a man identified as the local trader engaged in a heated exchange. The two are subsequently seen moving away from the camera. The precise circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and threats remain matters for investigation.

Following the incident, a large number of traders reportedly gathered outside the Kotdwar Kotwali police station and demanded strict action against Deepak. Police subsequently deployed personnel in the town to prevent any escalation.

Police have said that the complaint was filed by businessman Sanjeev Tonk. Reports quoting Pauri Garhwal SSP Sarvesh Panwar said the case initially involved provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to criminal intimidation and intentional insult, while other reports have cited additional sections during the investigation.

A video published by Dainik Bhaskar (Hindi) and subsequently circulated on social media purportedly captures Deepak in a heated exchange with a local businessman. The footage shows Deepak initially speaking with three other individuals before an argument develops between him and the trader. The two are then seen moving away from the camera. It has also been alleged that Deepak gave a death threat to the businessman during the confrontation.

The January “Baba” Shop Controversy

Deepak first came to national attention in January 2026 after becoming involved in a dispute over the name of a shop operated by elderly Muslim shopkeeper Vakil Ahmed in Kotdwar.

The shop, reportedly operating for decades under the name “Baba School Dress and Matching Centre”, became the subject of objections from Bajrang Dal activists, who demanded that the word “Baba” be removed. Reports said the protesters associated the term with the name of a prominent local Hindu religious site and objected to its use by a Muslim-owned establishment.

During the confrontation on January 26, Deepak intervened on behalf of the shopkeeper. When members of the crowd questioned his identity, he reportedly responded, “My name is Mohammad Deepak.” A video of the confrontation subsequently went viral, turning him into a prominent figure in the dispute.

The episode also generated competing allegations. Supporters of Deepak portrayed his intervention as an attempt to protect the elderly shopkeeper from harassment, while opponents accused him of provoking tensions. Multiple cases were subsequently registered in connection with the confrontation.

Deepak also alleged that he and his associates were threatened after the incident. Earlier reports said another gathering had taken place outside his gym, while police maintained heightened security to prevent further clashes.

When Muslims oppose Hindu practices and sentiments associated with them, the use of Hindu names as Muslim personal nicknames to target Hindu girls under “love jihad,” as well as the use of Hindu names in Muslim businesses as part of an alleged “jihadist” strategy, has become a contentious issue in contemporary India. Deepak became an “anti-Hindu symbol” in the locality because of his controversial activities.

Legal Battle Over the January Case

The January confrontation later became the subject of proceedings before the Uttarakhand High Court and, subsequently, the Supreme Court.

On March 20, the Uttarakhand High Court declined Deepak’s pleas seeking, among other things, relief in the case and police protection. The court also directed the parties to refrain from making social-media comments concerning the dispute and related proceedings. Reports said the court considered the social-media activity capable of aggravating tensions.

On August 31, however, the Supreme Court granted interim relief to Deepak. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stayed further proceedings in the FIR arising from the January confrontation and also stayed the High Court’s restriction concerning his social-media posts. The Supreme Court sought a response from the Uttarakhand government on Deepak’s challenge to the High Court order.

The Supreme Court proceedings therefore concern the earlier January case and should not be confused with the separate complaint that led to Deepak’s October 1 arrest.

Allegations Surrounding Deepak’s Activities

Some local allegations have also circulated concerning Deepak’s activities and political views. Claims have been made that he used his gym and local network to promote interfaith relationships and controversial social positions. However, the more specific allegations concerning encouraging Hindu women to consume beef or marry Muslim men are turned contentious.

Similarly, claims that Deepak organised or promoted a political movement against the BJP governments in Uttarakhand and at the Centre require attribution and independent verification. Such allegations should be distinguished from the documented legal proceedings arising from the January shop-name dispute and the October complaint.

Fresh Tension in Kotdwar

The latest arrest has revived tensions surrounding Deepak in Kotdwar. Traders gathered at the police station demanding action, while police have increased their presence to prevent the dispute from developing into a wider confrontation.

The October case is legally separate from the January controversy. Police allegations against Deepak in the latest matter concern his reported confrontation with Sanjeev Tonk following a social-media dispute, whereas the earlier case arose from his intervention during the confrontation over the “Baba” name.

The developments have once again placed Kotdwar under scrutiny over the manner in which disputes involving religious identity, social-media commentary and local political mobilisation can escalate into police and criminal proceedings. The latest allegations against Deepak remain subject to investigation and judicial process.

Local residents also alleged that Deepak spoke to many people in the locality in support of the “Cockroach Party” movement in Uttarakhand, with the aim of raising their voices against the BJP governments in both Uttarakhand and at the Centre. Deepak’s arrest reportedly raised tensions in the locality.
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_Inputs from Dainik Bhaskar, The Hindu, Al jazeera &  India Today.