“My Name Is Mohammad Deepak”: The Viral Moment That Turned A Local Shop Dispute Into A Communal Storm
What began as a disagreement over the name of a small clothing shop in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar quietly escalated into a full-blown law-and-order challenge, drawing protests, police action, and a nationwide social media debate.
At the heart of the controversy emerged an unexpected figure, a local gym owner who introduced himself as “Mohammad Deepak”, a moment that would soon go viral.
The issue centred around a shop owned by Mohammad Shoaib, a Muslim resident of Kotdwar, who ran his clothing store under the name “Baba” on Patel Marg.
Members of the local Bajrang Dal objected to the name, arguing that “Baba” is closely associated with Siddhbali Baba, a revered Hanuman temple in the town, and claimed its use could hurt religious sentiments.
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About two and a half months ago, the group demanded that Shoaib rename his shop. According to local accounts, Shoaib assured them he would consider changing the name after relocating his business. This temporarily eased tensions.
In mid-January, Shoaib shifted his shop roughly 30–40 metres from its original location. However, he continued operating under the same name, “Baba”.
This led to renewed objections, with Bajrang Dal members accusing him of breaking his promise. Protests resumed, this time with greater intensity.
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The situation escalated sharply on January 28, when protesters clashed with Shoaib and his associates outside the shop. During the confrontation, Deepak Kumar, a local gym owner, intervened in an attempt to question the protesters’ demands.
When asked to identify himself, Deepak responded on camera, “Mera naam Mohammad Deepak hai” (My name is Mohammad Deepak).
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The video quickly spread across social media platforms, turning him into a central figure in the controversy.
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Later speaking to the media, Deepak clarified that he is Hindu and said he used the name to make a point about unity. “Before religion, I am an Indian,” he said, adding that constant division would only harm the country.
Following the viral videos, tensions spread further.
On January 31, fresh protests broke out, with demonstrators — some allegedly from outside Kotdwar — raising slogans and demanding action against Deepak, accusing him of posting provocative content online.
Police deployed additional forces, while senior officials including the ASP and SDM, arrived on the spot to defuse the situation.
Flag marches were conducted, vehicle checks were intensified, and security was tightened near sensitive areas, including the Uttarakhand–Uttar Pradesh border.
Kotdwar police registered three FIRs in connection with the unrest.
One was filed against unidentified protesters for disturbing public peace and creating communal tension. Another addressed allegations of abusive language during protests, while a third FIR was filed against Deepak and his associates over alleged threats and derogatory remarks.
After sustained mediation, authorities announced that the dispute had been resolved. The administration confirmed that Shoaib’s shop would continue to operate under the name “Baba”, and warned that any further attempts to disrupt communal harmony would invite strict legal action.
