Police register FIR over social media threat offering ₹2 lakh reward, expand SIT probe into earlier shop-name dispute involving pressure on elderly Muslim trader
PAURI GARHWAL – The controversy surrounding Deepak Kumar, also known as Mohammad Deepak, has taken a darker turn after he received a death threat linked to a social media video offering a reward of ₹2 lakh for his killing. The police have registered a case and begun a detailed investigation, tracing the threat to an individual based in Bihar.
Deepak Kumar, a resident of Kotdwar, approached the police on Sunday (8 February), stating that he had received open threats to his life through social media. The complaint followed the circulation of a video in which an unidentified person announced a cash reward for killing him. The video caused fear and tension in the area.
Taking note of the seriousness of the complaint, Pauri Garhwal Senior Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar ordered the immediate registration of an FIR. A case was lodged at Kotdwar police station under Section 351(3) of the IPC against unknown persons.
During the initial probe, the police identified the accused as Raja Utkarsh, a resident of Motihari in Bihar. A named FIR was registered on Monday morning. The district police have now contacted the Bihar Police to move ahead with legal action.
An official said, “The matter is being treated very seriously. We are in touch with the Bihar Police, and all steps will be taken to bring the accused to justice.”
SSP Sarvesh Panwar added, “Anyone who tries to disturb peace or issues threats will not be spared. The law will take its course.”
14 Bajrang Dal Members Identified
Meanwhile, in connection with the earlier dispute on 26 and 31 January, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the SSP has identified at least 14 members of the Bajrang Dal from among 40 unnamed persons named in three FIRs related to the Kotdwar shop-name issue.
The five-member SIT is led by Circle Officer Tushar Bora. He said the identifications were made after careful examination of CCTV footage and recording of witness statements. “We are collecting firm evidence before calling them for questioning and taking further action,” he said.
The case centres around allegations that Bajrang Dal members pressured an elderly Muslim shopkeeper to change the name of his shop and held aggressive protests in the town on 31 January. One of the three FIRs was registered by the police on their own against 40 unidentified members of the organisation.
According to the police, the accused gathered outside Deepak Kumar’s gym and home. Deepak had stood up for the elderly Muslim trader on 26 January and resisted the pressure being applied by some activists.
Police records state that the protesters raised provocative communal slogans and blocked National Highway 534. They are also accused of attacking police personnel who reached the spot to control the situation.
SSP Panwar said, “Those who try to take the law into their own hands and target others on religious lines will face strict action. All accused will be identified, and charge sheets will be filed on time.”
A second FIR relates to the 26 January incident when Deepak Kumar confronted Bajrang Dal members who were allegedly forcing a Muslim shopkeeper to change the name of his decades-old garment shop. Later, a member of the organisation filed a counter-complaint accusing Deepak of assault and criminal intimidation. A third FIR was lodged on the complaint of another shop owner against some members of the group.
As the investigation continues, the case has once again raised concerns over the safety of those who speak up for Muslims and the use of threats and fear to silence dissent.
