A gym owner in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar town has come under threat after a video of him defending a Muslim shopkeeper from alleged harassment by men claiming to be associated with the Hindutva outfit Bajrang Dal went viral on social media.
Deepak Kumar, 46, was seen confronting the group and later shared videos on Instagram explaining his views on religion and humanity.
In one of the widely circulated clips, he said, “I am not a Hindu, I am not a Muslim, I am not a Sikh, and I am not a Christian. First and foremost, I am a human being. Because after I die, I have to answer to God and to humanity, not to any religion.”
Following the incident, a mob reportedly gathered outside Deepak’s residence on Saturday, prompting police intervention to prevent the situation from escalating. Videos shared by Deepak show police personnel separating him from the crowd as tensions ran high.
According to Deepak, the confrontation began after he stepped in to protect a Muslim shopkeeper who was allegedly being harassed.
During the exchange, he declared, “My name is Mohammad Deepak!” — a statement he later clarified was meant to symbolically unite his Hindu identity with that of Muslims and reflect his vision of an inclusive India.
The phrase has since gone viral across social media platforms, drawing both widespread support and hostility. Deepak said the attention has brought threats to his doorstep, but he remains firm in his stance.
“I will not back down,” he told news outlets, reiterating his commitment to his beliefs despite the backlash.
In another video message addressed to the public, Deepak appealed for peace and unity, saying, “I just want to say this to all of you to my brothers, sisters, and friends that our country needs love and affection, not hatred. You can spread as much hatred as you want; there is no stopping that. But spreading love is a very big thing.”
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Police officials have not released detailed statements on the matter but confirmed that they intervened to maintain law and order during the gathering outside his home.
The incident has sparked a broader debate online about freedom of expression, religious harmony, and the risks faced by individuals who publicly challenge sectarian divisions.