CPI(M) leader Brittas meets Uttarakhand gym owner Deepak, shopkeeper, after alleged right-wing harassment

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] MP John Brittas connected Sunday (February 8, 2026) visited Kotdwar successful Uttarakhand, extending solidarity with gym proprietor Deepak Kumar who made headlines aft stepping successful to support an aged Muslim shopkeeper from alleged harassment by a right-wing group.

The Rajya Sabha subordinate met Mr. Kumar and Vakil Ahmed, who faced the alleged harassment. The incidental took spot connected January 26, erstwhile immoderate Hindu organisations successful Kotdwar objected to the sanction of the garment shop, ‘Baba School Garments’, owned by Mr. Ahmed. They argued that the connection ‘Baba’ is linked to Hindu spiritual contented and should not beryllium utilized by a Muslim shopkeeper, peculiarly due to the fact that of its perceived relation with the Siddhabali Baba Hanuman temple successful the town. During the confrontation, Mr. Kumar intervened, identifying himself arsenic Mohammed Deepak.

“In the divisive times we unrecorded in, it is important that we support and nurture specified individuals. We cannot fto Deepak Kumar, who symbolised the secular civilization of our country, basal alone,” said Mr. Brittas, who besides brought an yearly rank astatine Mr. Kumar’s gym and apparel from Mr. Ahmed’s shop.

Mr. Brittas said that since the incident, some Mr. Kumar and Mr. Ahmed person been facing an informal economical boycott. While Mr. Kumar’s gym has remained mostly empty, Mr. Ahmed’s store has besides worn a deserted look.