Right-Wing Protest Over Muslim Trader’s Shop Name Triggers Unrest in Kotdwar

Kotdwar: Communal tension shook the town of Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district this weekend after a group of right-wing activists protested against a local gym trainer who intervened to defend an elderly Muslim trader in a dispute over the name of his shop. Police have registered multiple FIRs in connection with the unrest as authorities work to maintain peace.

The controversy began on Republic Day, when a group of activists including members of the Bajrang Dal confronted 70-year-old shopkeeper Vakeel Ahmed over his 30-year-old business, Baba collection, a school uniform shop, demanding removal of the word “Baba” from the signage claiming that the name is exclusive to Hindus.

Local gym owner Deepak Kumar, who stepped in to support the shopkeeper, became the focal point of the dispute after a video of him challenging the protestors went viral, in which he called himself “Mohammad Deepak” in a statement meant to underline equality before the law. In the footage, Kumar is seen asking why similar shop names are acceptable for others but not for Ahmed.

The situation escalated on Saturday, when a larger group — reportedly around 150 activists from Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar — converged on Kotdwar, raising slogans, allegedly hurling abuses and creating a “riot-like atmosphere” near Kumar’s gym and the marketplace. Police intervened and filed FIRs against several outsiders accused of attempting to disturb communal harmony, as well as a separate complaint by the shopkeeper over intimidation.

Senior Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar said the group had tried to block the National Highway during protests and that authorities were actively identifying individuals involved through video footage and statements. A police flag march was held in the area to reassure residents and prevent further issues.

The shop name row has highlighted simmering sensitivities over religious identity during the Narendri Modi led BJP government in the country. Local authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely and are issuing notices and taking action to ensure peace prevails.