Uttarakhand Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) after gym owner Deepak Kumar reportedly received a death threat for defending an elderly Muslim shopkeeper. The threat, which included a ₹2 lakh reward for killing him, surfaced in a video circulating on social media, prompting immediate police action.
The FIR was filed late Sunday under Section 351 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with threats of death or grievous hurt. Kumar, who lodged the complaint, said the viral video had left him and his family living in constant fear. “The video is going viral on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,” he stated, highlighting the psychological impact on his daily life.
In the video, a man with a tilak on his forehead is seen holding a bundle of ₹500 notes while saying, “Whoever kills Mohammad Deepak and carries out the task of ‘educating’ him about Sanatan Dharma, will be given ₹2 lakh.” Authorities have confirmed the man as Utkarsh Singh, a resident of East Champaran district, Bihar, and police have launched an investigation to ensure Kumar’s safety and hold the perpetrator accountable.
The controversy stems from an incident on January 26, when a group of Bajrang Dal members reportedly harassed a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar over the name of his store, “Baba School Dress and Matching Centre.” The group objected to the word “Baba,” claiming it referred to Baba Sidhbali, a local deity associated with Lord Hanuman. Deepak Kumar, who was outside a friend’s shop at the time, intervened to protect the shopkeeper. During the confrontation, he introduced himself as Mohammad Deepak, a detail that later went viral online.
Following the viral video, Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest outside Kumar’s gym on January 31, reportedly threatening to “teach him a lesson.” The ongoing online circulation of the video and escalating public outrage led Kumar to approach the police for protection. Assistant Police Superintendent Chandra Mohan Singh confirmed the FIR registration and stated that further action is underway to apprehend the individual responsible for the threat.
Deepak Kumar’s case highlights the dangers of online videos inciting violence and the importance of timely law enforcement intervention. Authorities continue to investigate the matter, emphasizing public safety and accountability in communal disputes.
Key highlights include the fact that Deepak Kumar intervened to protect a vulnerable shopkeeper, a death threat was issued with a monetary reward, the FIR was registered under Section 351 (3) BNS, the threat originated from Utkarsh Singh of Bihar, and Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration outside Kumar’s gym.