Hindu man who stood up to extremists in defence of Muslim shopkeeper becomes social media star in India

A Hindu man who confronted extremists in defence of a Muslim shopkeeper in the Indian state of Uttarakhand has emerged as a social media sensation.

According to Indian media reports, the incident took place on 28 January, when members of the extremist group Bajrang Dal pressured a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper, Wakeel Ahmed, to change the name of his shop, “Baba School Dress”.

Reports said that several extremist individuals gathered outside the shop and began intimidating and harassing the elderly shopkeeper.

At that moment, gym owner and trainer Deepak Kumar arrived at the scene and took a stand in support of the Muslim shopkeeper.

When Deepak spoke up, Bajrang Dal members asked him his name. He replied, “My name is Mohammad Deepak,” and firmly stood his ground, forcing the extremists to retreat.

Following his courageous act against extremism, Deepak became a social media star within days, gaining hundreds of thousands of followers across various platforms.

Several personalities and organisations praised his bravery on social media.

The matter also reached India’s Parliament, where Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi publicly commended Deepak for his principled stance.

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