Kotdwar Police Arrest Gym Operator Mohammad Deepak For Threatening Local Businessman

In a significant development in the Kotdwar region of Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, the local police have arrested Deepak Kumar, a gym operator who gained widespread social media fame under the name Mohammad Deepak. The arrest follows a formal complaint lodged by a local businessman, Sanjeev Tonk, at the Kotdwar Kotwali police station. The complainant alleged that Deepak Kumar engaged in indecent behavior, used abusive language, and issued life-threatening warnings against him, while this incident has sparked considerable attention in the local community, prompting swift action from the law enforcement authorities to maintain order.

Details of the Complaint and Initial Investigation

According to the information provided by the police, the businessman Sanjeev Tonk approached the authorities detailing a harrowing encounter with the accused. Upon receiving the formal complaint, the Kotdwar police immediately initiated a thorough investigation into the matter, while to ensure a fact-based inquiry, the police team visited the site of the alleged incident and meticulously collected evidence. This included the retrieval and analysis of CCTV footage from the vicinity, photographs, and other forensic leads that could substantiate the claims made by the complainant.

The investigation revealed prima facie evidence supporting the allegations of verbal abuse, physical hurt, and criminal intimidation. The police noted that the actions of the accused had the potential to disturb the peace and tranquility of the area. Consequently, the legal framework was applied strictly to address the gravity of the situation. Initially, the case was registered under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), but as more evidence came to light, the scope of the charges was expanded to reflect the nature of the offense more accurately.

Legal Charges and Arrest Under BNSS

The police initially filed the case under Section 351(2) of the BNS, which pertains to criminal intimidation, and Section 352, which deals with intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace. However, as the investigation progressed and evidence was scrutinized, additional sections were invoked. , or disturbing harmony, and Section 115, which relates to voluntarily causing hurt. The inclusion of these sections indicates the serious view the authorities are taking regarding the incident.

Given the high-profile nature of the accused and the potential for the situation to escalate into a law and order crisis, the police decided to take preventive custody. Deepak Kumar was arrested under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This section empowers the police to make an arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offenses. Following the arrest, the police administration took further steps to reassure the public and ensure that no communal or social tension erupted in the town.

Flag March and Public Safety Measures

To reinforce a sense of security among the residents of Kotdwar, the police administration organized a flag march late in the evening. The march covered various parts of the Kotdwar Municipal Corporation area. This move was aimed at sending a clear message that the law enforcement agencies are vigilant and won't tolerate any attempts to disrupt the peace. The presence of a large number of police personnel on the streets served to deter any potential miscreants and provided a sense of safety to the local business community and the general public.

The Rise of Mohammad Deepak to Social Media Fame

Deepak Kumar, now known as Mohammad Deepak, first came into the national spotlight in January 2026. The controversy began when a group of people protested against an elderly Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar for using the word Baba in the name of his shop. During this period of tension, Deepak Kumar stepped forward in support of the elderly shopkeeper. He engaged in a heated and public argument with those who were protesting against the shop's name. It was during this confrontation that he identified himself as Mohammad Deepak, a name that quickly became his identity on social media platforms.

The video of this confrontation went viral across the country, making him a well-known figure. While some praised his stance on communal harmony, others viewed his actions through a different lens. Since that incident, he has remained a discussed figure in the digital space. However, the current arrest related to the dispute with businessman Sanjeev Tonk has brought him back into the headlines for legal reasons. The police continue to process the case based on the evidence gathered, ensuring that the legal proceedings follow the due course of law.