Three cases registered after Bajrang Dal protest over shop name in Kotdwar

Kotdwar: Police have filed three separate cases after protests by Bajrang Dal members over the name of a shop in Kotdwar triggered tension in the area.

Officials said the dispute began when members of the Bajrang Dal objected to a shop named “Baba Dress,” owned by Mohammad Shoaib. They claimed the name could be confused with Siddhbali Baba Temple, a well-known Hanuman temple in the town, and asked the owner to change it.

According to police, around two-and-a-half months ago, Bajrang Dal workers had first raised the issue and asked Shoaib to rename the shop. Shoaib reportedly told them he would consider changing the name after shifting to a new location.

About 10 to 15 days ago, he relocated the shop around 30 to 40 metres away from its original location on Patel Marg. However, the protests resurfaced soon after.

On January 28, a group of Bajrang Dal members gathered outside the shop and an argument broke out between them, Shoaib and his friend Deepak Kumar, a local gym owner. During the incident, a man identified as Chand allegedly introduced himself as Mohammad Deepak and asked the protesters to leave.

The situation escalated again on January 31 when Bajrang Dal workers, led by Gau Raksha Dal state head Naresh Uniyal, reached the shop and continued their protest. A large crowd assembled at the spot, raised slogans and demanded the arrest of Deepak Kumar, accusing him of posting objectionable content online.

Police said there were heated exchanges and scuffles between the protesters and Shoaib’s associates, creating tension in the locality. However, timely intervention by the police prevented the situation from turning violent.

Following the incidents, Kotdwar police registered three FIRs on Sunday. The first case was lodged against 30 to 40 unidentified people for disturbing public peace, blocking roads, obstructing government work and allegedly misbehaving with police personnel under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The second case was filed on the complaint of a local resident, Vakil Ahmed, who alleged that protesters used abusive and caste-based remarks during the demonstration.

A third case was registered based on a complaint by Kamal Prasad, who accused Deepak Kumar and his associates of using offensive language and issuing threats during the January 28 confrontation.

To ensure peace in the town, police conducted a flag march on February 1 across Kotdwar. Security personnel patrolled markets, sensitive spots and residential areas on foot and appealed to residents to maintain calm, brotherhood and communal harmony.

(with inputs from agencies)