”Muhammad’ Deepak… a beacon of hope in struggle against Hindutva communalism’
New Delhi: Deepak Kumar, now known as ‘Muhammad’ Deepak… is a beacon of hope in the struggle against Hindutva communalism.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Deepak Kumar entered the scene in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, in the foothills of the Himalayas, when Bajrang Dal activists began harassing an elderly man named Muhammad.
This communal rampage took place on Republic Day—a day that should instead radiate the messages of brotherhood, coexistence, and equality. Standing as a savior before the helpless Muhammad, Deepak Kumar single-handedly confronted a mob of nearly 150 predators.
Realizing that Deepak, a gym trainer, possessed significant physical strength, the messengers of hate beat a retreat. However, they did not forget to ask his name as they withdrew.
The young man did not hesitate for even half a second before responding: ‘My name is Muhammad Deepak.’ Today, despite being a Hindu, Deepak takes immense pride in having protected a destitute elderly Muslim man.
Member of Rajya Sabha, upper house of Indian parliament, John Brittas visited Kotdwar in Uttarakhand, on February 7, to express solidarity with gym trainer Deepak Kumar, who has been facing threats and legal action after intervening to protect an elderly Muslim shopkeeper from a communal attack.
The MP spent time at Deepak’s home, meeting his mother, wife, and child. “I had hot ginger tea served by his mother, who earns her livelihood selling tea,” Brittas said.
Brittas also visited Deepak’s gym, which he said now lies deserted due to threats from communal elements. As a gesture of support, he took a membership there. He later went to the garment shop run by Muhammad Baba, the elderly shopkeeper at the centre of the controversy, and made purchases.
The MP said he formally raised objections with the local police over the handling of the case. “I registered a strong protest at the Kotdwar Police Station, which has filed a case against Deepak while shielding the rioters,” Brittas said.
Calling Deepak’s act emblematic of resistance to communal hatred, Brittas said, “Deepak Kumar, who transformed into ‘Muhammad Deepak’, is not merely an individual—he is a diamond-bright light of hope.”
