Full Breakdown
Arrest of Gym Owner “Mohammad Deepak” Over Alleged Assault Tied to Ujjain Mosque Comment
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Arrest on October 1, 2026
On October 1, 2026 police in Kotdwar, Pauri Garhwal, detained Deepak Kumar—who is widely known as “Mohammad Deepak”—after a complaint by local businessman Sanjeev Tonk. Police said Kumar allegedly assaulted Tonk and threatened to kill him in response to a comment Tonk posted on a Facebook thread that Kumar had shared about the partial demolition of the Shahi Mosque in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The arrest was made as a preventive measure amid concerns of a breach of peace, and Kumar was taken into custody in the evening.
Background & Context: Earlier Confrontations and Social-Media Post
Kumar first entered public view in January 2026 when he intervened in a dispute in Kotdwar where members of the Bajrang Dal were harassing an elderly Muslim shopkeeper over the use of the word “Baba” in the shop’s name. During that incident Kumar identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak,” and a video of the confrontation went viral, cementing the moniker.
Police noted that the video attracted more than 19,000 likes and about 750 comments. One of the adverse comments was attributed to Tonk—the same businessman who later filed the assault complaint.
Legal Charges and Investigation Findings
The initial FIR listed Sections 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During investigation, police added Sections 196 (promoting enmity between groups) and 115 (voluntarily causing hurt) based on CCTV footage, photographs and other material. Police said the evidence established a prima facie case that Kumar had verbally abused Tonk and threatened his life.
Because the combined offences carried a maximum sentence of less than seven years, police invoked Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to make a preventive arrest, citing the risk of a disturbance to law and order.
Official Statements & Police Response
Pauri Garhwal senior superintendent of police Sarvesh Panwar told reporters that the FIR was registered under the BNS sections mentioned above and that the arrest was “prompt and effective” to avert a potential breach of peace. The police statement added that the investigation also revealed Kumar’s alleged involvement in “various social disputes” that had previously affected local peace.
Police also conducted a flag march in the Kotdwar Municipal Corporation area on the evening of October 1 as a security measure, and they announced that Kumar would be presented before the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) shortly thereafter.
What’s Next
Police indicated that Kumar will be presented before the sub-divisional magistrate soon. The magistrate’s decision will determine whether Kumar remains in custody under Section 170 of the BNSS or is released pending further trial. Authorities also signaled continued monitoring of public gatherings in Kotdwar to prevent escalation.