Civil rights activists and minority groups condemn the threats, urging law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against those involved.
NEW DELHI — The right-wing outfit Hindu Raksha Dal has sparked outrage after issuing an open threat against gym owner Deepak Kumar, popularly known as “Mohammed Deepak,” with its leaders using inflammatory language and communal slurs in videos circulating on social media.
Pinki Bhaiya, leader of the Hindu Raksha Dal in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, released a video on his social media platform accusing Deepak of “straying away from Sanatan Dharma.”
“Deepak jise mullah banne ka bada shauk chada hai, Mohammed Deepak, yeh Kotdwar me aaj meri puri team puri taakat se jaarahi hai. Aaj use theek kardiya jaayega,” Pinki is heard saying in the video.
Deepak, a resident of Uttarakhand‘s Kotdwar, came into the national limelight after standing up for 70-year-old clothing store owner Vakil Ahmed, who was harassed by Bajrang Dal workers, forcing him to change his shop’s name.
Deepak’s stand gained immense support from across India, but also earned him the wrath of Hindutva organisations, which have constantly issued threats and used derogatory language against the young man.
In the video issued by Hindu Raksha Dal, members of the group are heard saying they would “remove the mullah’s ghost” from Deepak — a phrase widely interpreted as a threat of violence. The remarks appear to target Deepak over his adopted Muslim name and his public presence on social media.
The clip, which has since gone viral, shows men claiming affiliation with Hindu Raksha Dal issuing warnings and calling for action against Deepak, accusing him of “misleading Hindu youth” and “promoting Islam.” The statements have drawn sharp criticism for inciting communal hatred and endangering lives.
Civil rights activists and minority groups condemned the threats, urging law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against those involved. “This is blatant hate speech and a direct call to violence. Authorities must act swiftly to prevent any harm,” said a Delhi-based rights activist.
According to sources, police said they were aware of the video and had initiated a preliminary inquiry to identify those responsible. “We are examining the content and verifying the individuals involved. Appropriate legal action will follow,” an officer said on condition of anonymity.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over online hate campaigns and vigilante threats by fringe groups. Experts warn that such rhetoric, when left unchecked, risks escalating into real-world violence.
Mohammed Deepak has not issued a public statement yet. His supporters, meanwhile, have appealed for his protection and demanded strict action against the hate mongers who are threatening him.
