Rahul Gandhi on Monday met Deepak Kumar, a gym owner from Uttarakhand who came into the spotlight as 'Mohammad Deepak' after confronting activists allegedly harassing a Muslim shopkeeper. Pics/PTI and X
Updated On: 2026-02-23 08:35 PM IST
Compiled by : Asif Ali Sayed
Deepak also met Sonia Gandhi during the visit. Congress leader Vaibhav Walia, Deepak’s friend Vijay Rawat and others were present
Rahul Gandhi later said on social media that every human being is equal and described Deepak as a symbol of unity and courage
He added that he would visit Kotdwar and take membership at Deepak’s gym. Gandhi also spoke with Deepak’s wife over the phone
The issue began on January 26 when activists linked to Bajrang Dal protested outside a clothing shop named ‘Baba’ on Patel Marg in Kotdwar. They allegedly pressured its 70-year-old owner, Vakil Ahmed, to change the shop’s name
Clashes broke out between the activists and Deepak Kumar, who intervened. During the confrontation, he identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak” and asked the protesters to leave
