Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday met Mohammad Deepak from Uttarakhand and hailed him as a “hero of India” and a “living symbol of mohabbat ki dukaan,” underlining the Congress leader’s message of unity and equality.
Sharing a photograph from the meeting on Instagram, Gandhi wrote, “Every human being is equal. This is Indianness, this is the shop of love. Meeting with Uttarakhand’s brother ‘Mohammad Deepak such a flame of unity and courage should burn in every Indian youth.” The post highlighted Gandhi’s view that acts of compassion and courage reflect the true spirit of the Constitution.
‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ Versus Politics of Division
Earlier, in a post on X, Gandhi accused the BJP and the Sangh Parivar of weakening constitutional values. He praised Deepak for standing firm for humanity and the Constitution, describing him as “a living symbol of ‘mohabbat ki dukaan’ in a marketplace of hate.” The Congress leader has repeatedly used the phrase “mohabbat ki dukaan” to position his party as an alternative to what he calls divisive politics.
Who Is Mohammad Deepak?
Mohammad Deepak is the name adopted by Deepak Kumar, a gym owner from Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, who runs Hulk Gym. He came into the national spotlight on January 26, 2026, after stepping in to protect an elderly Muslim shopkeeper who was allegedly being harassed over the name of his shop. During the confrontation, Deepak asserted unity beyond religion by declaring, “My name is Mohammad Deepak.”
Police Action After the Incident
According to police records, three FIRs were registered on the evening of January 31, 2026, in connection with the episode. One FIR was filed on the complaint of shopkeeper Ahmed Wakeel against two named individuals and several unidentified persons. The charges include trespass, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, criminal intimidation, and causing hurt.
Another FIR was lodged against unnamed members of right-wing groups for allegedly blocking a national highway while protesting Deepak Kumar’s intervention, citing breach of peace. Authorities have so far not shared further details on the progress of the investigation.
