Deepak Kumar of Kotdwar, who intervened during a protest by Bajrang Dal against a Muslim shopkeeper, met Rahul Gandhi, who praised his courage, highlighting his defense of the Constitution and the tricolor.

Rahul Gandhi Praises Deepak (Image Source: Twitter)
New Delhi: Deepak Kumar of Kotdwar confronted Bajrang Dal activists in January and protected a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper, Vakil Ahmed. The Bajrang Dal had staged a protest demanding the renaming of the "Baba" clothing store. Deepak, a friend of the shopkeeper's son, had introduced himself as "Mohammad Deepak."
On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, praised Deepak Kumar's bravery. In a social media post, he wrote that Deepak not only protected the tricolor and the Constitution but also showed courage against the fear and hatred being spread in society.
Rahul said, "Those who try to spread hatred in society are truly cowards. Deepak protected the weak and protected the tricolor and the Constitution. There can be no greater patriotism than this."
करोड़ों भारतीयों के दिलों में सद्भाव और मोहब्बत की विचारधारा है, मगर मन में भय भी है - दीपक ने उन सभी को अपने साहस से राह दिखाई है।
जो लोग नफ़रत फैलाकर समाज को डराने की कोशिश करते हैं, वो दरअसल कायर होते हैं - उनसे कभी भी डरो मत।
दीपक ने हमारे तिरंगे और संविधान की रक्षा की है।… pic.twitter.com/lk3IMlk8x8
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 25, 2026
On Monday, Deepak met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. He said Rahul assured him that his work was commendable and that he need not be afraid. Rahul also spoke with Deepak's family and expressed his desire to visit Kotdwar and buy a membership at his gym.
Deepak said that the situation in Kotdwar is now better than before, and he vowed not to enter politics. His sole aim was to protect humanity and society.
The situation in Kotdwar became tense after Deepak was threatened in a Hindu Raksha Dal video. Following this, the local administration increased security, and Superintendent of Police Chandra Mohan Singh warned that no one would be allowed to disturb the peace.