The controversy centres on a clothing outlet named ‘Baba School Dress and Matching Centre’, located on Patel Marg and run by 70-year-old trader Vakil Ahmad for nearly three decades. On January 26, a group of youths, allegedly linked to the Bajrang Dal, objected to the use of the word ‘Baba’, claiming it was associated with Hindu religious identity and should not be used by a Muslim. Ahmad later alleged that he was threatened and asked to remove the word from the shop’s signage.
The situation escalated when Deepak Kumar, who owns a gym near the shop, intervened after witnessing the confrontation. Videos of the incident later surfaced on social media, showing Deepak questioning the group over their objection. During the exchange, he identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak,” a statement he later clarified was meant symbolically to stress communal harmony and shared identity.
Following the incident, protests were reported in the area. Police said around 30–40 unidentified individuals gathered, raised slogans, blocked the road and disrupted public order. Based on a complaint by Sub-Inspector Vinod Chaprana, the first FIR was registered against unidentified protesters under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
A second FIR was filed on a complaint by Kamal Pal, a Bajrang Dal associate, accusing Deepak Kumar and another individual of verbal abuse, caste-based slurs and assault. A third FIR was registered on the complaint of a local lawyer, citing alleged use of criminal force and intimidation.
Deepak Kumar, in a video statement, claimed he was attacked following the dispute and later summoned by police. He said authorities assured him that such incidents would not recur and appealed to supporters to remain calm.
The episode drew political attention after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly expressed support for Deepak, calling him a symbol of courage and alleging that hatred was being encouraged under political patronage. Youth Congress workers also reached the area, accusing certain groups of attempting to disturb communal harmony.
Police officials said investigations are ongoing in all three cases and that statements from all sides are being recorded. Authorities have appealed for calm, stating that law and order will be maintained and no individual will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
