Viral footage from Uttarakhand shows Hindutva supporters pressuring a decades-old Muslim shop to change its name
NEW DELHI — Kotdwar town in Uttarakhand witnessed a tense situation on January 26 after individuals linked to the Bajrang Dal confronted an elderly Muslim shopkeeper over the name of his business, demanding that he remove the word ‘Baba’ from the signboard. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention.
The shop, located on Patel Marg, is named Baba School Dress and Matching Centre. According to the shop owner, he has been running the business for nearly 30 years under the same name, which is also registered with the GST department.
In the viral footage, several activists are seen entering the shop and questioning the owner about why the name had not been changed despite earlier demands. The elderly man is heard explaining that the name has existed for decades and cannot be altered so easily. His explanation appears to be ignored as the activists continue to pressure him.
One of the activists is heard claiming that only Hindus have the right to use the word ‘Baba’, stating that it is associated with Siddhbali Baba, a revered figure linked to a nearby Hanuman temple. Notably, Kotdwar has several establishments using the word ‘Baba’, including Baba Book Centre, Baba General Store, and Baba Pan Shop.
The situation escalated when a local man intervened and objected to the activists’ conduct. When asked his name, he identified himself as ‘Mohammed Deepak’ and questioned why the use of the word ‘Baba’ should be restricted to one community.
In the video, he is heard saying, “Baba naam rakh lene se kya ho gaya? Har jagah baba likha hua hai.” When told that other shops using the name belonged to Hindus, he responded, “Muslim hone se kya ho gaya? Kya Musalmanon mein peer baba nahi hote?”
As the argument intensified, more locals gathered at the spot. Towards the end of the footage, Deepak and another person are seen pushing the activists away from the shop, forcing them to leave.
Speaking to India Today, Deepak said the activists had behaved disrespectfully towards the elderly shopkeeper. “Woh 70–75 saal ke buzurg hain. Unke saath kaafi badtameezi ki ja rahi thi,” he said.
He added, “Unhone kaha yeh naam unke Siddhbali Baba ka hai. Maine kaha baba to har jagah bola jata hai—bachchon ko bhi, buzurgon ko bhi, aur peer baba ko bhi.”
Deepak also explained why he introduced himself as ‘Mohammed Deepak’. “Mera naam Deepak Kumar hai, lekin maine jaanbujhkar Mohammed Deepak bola, kyunki Hindu-Muslim hum sab ek hain,” he said.
So far, there is no information about a formal complaint being filed by either party. Kotwali in-charge Pradeep Negi said the matter is under inquiry. “Jo bhi samajik mahaul kharab karega, us par karyavahi ki jayegi,” he said.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the harassment of Muslim traders, selective targeting, and the responsibility of authorities to protect lawful business owners from intimidation, regardless of religious identity.
