CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas met with Deepak Kumar in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, on February 8, 2026. Kumar, a Hindu man, has faced intimidation and backlash after standing up for Wakeel Ahmed, an elderly Muslim shopkeeper who was targeted by a communal mob.

The incident occurred on January 26, 2026, when a group confronted Ahmed, objecting to his use of the word "Baba" in the name of his garment shop, "Baba Dresses". Ahmed, who is 75 years old and suffers from Parkinson's, has owned the shop for over four decades, selling cloth for school uniforms. The group, allegedly members of the Bajrang Dal, demanded that Ahmed change the shop's name immediately, claiming the term "Baba" could only be used in a religious context. When Ahmed asked for time to comply, they reportedly abused and pushed him.

Deepak Kumar and his friend Vijay Rawat intervened, protesting the group's language and treatment of Ahmed. During the altercation, when asked his name, Kumar responded, "My name is Mohammad Deepak". A video of the incident went viral, with Kumar's act being seen as a symbol of standing against communal intimidation.

In the aftermath, Bajrang Dal supporters held protests against Kumar, and police have registered three cases related to the controversy. Despite facing protests and police cases, Kumar has stated that he has no regrets and that he intervened only to stop the harassment. He questioned why action was taken against him when the incident began with the shopkeeper being targeted.

The Uttarakhand Police have issued a warning against any attempts to disturb communal harmony and have held a peace meeting involving representatives from all communities. Tensions remain in Kotdwar following the incident. Some view Kumar as a hero for standing up for his fellow Indian.

Brittas's meeting with Kumar highlights the ongoing concerns about communal tensions and the challenges faced by those who stand up against such acts in Uttarakhand. The incident has brought attention to the harassment of Muslims in Uttarakhand, which some reports suggest has become increasingly common.