The Uttarakhand High Court has raised questions over a plea filed by ‘Mohammad’ Deepak Kumar, a gym owner from Kotdwar, who sought police protection and a probe into the ongoing investigation against him. Deepak had come into the spotlight after intervening in an incident where a Muslim shopkeeper was allegedly harassed by members of a right-wing group.
According to reports, the confrontation took place on January 26, when some activists allegedly pressured an elderly shopkeeper to change his store’s name. Deepak reportedly stepped in to support the shopkeeper, following which tensions escalated. The police registered three FIRs in connection with the incident, including one against Deepak, who has been accused of rioting, causing hurt, and intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace.
Challenging the FIR, Deepak approached the high court seeking its quashing. He also requested the court to direct authorities to file a separate case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against individuals accused of delivering hate speeches. Additionally, he sought police protection and a departmental inquiry into alleged bias in the police investigation.
However, during the hearing, the court questioned the maintainability of his plea, noting that Deepak himself is a “suspected accused” in the case. The bench expressed concern over his demand for protection and an inquiry against the same police officials investigating him, indicating that such requests may not be legally sustainable.