Uttarakhand high court reprimands ‘Mohammad Deepak’ over police protection plea in Kotdwar clash case

DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday reprimanded gym operator Deepak Kumar, who came into the spotlight as “Mohammad Deepak” after confronting Bajrang Dal activists allegedly harassing a Muslim shopkeeper, questioning how an accused could seek police protection.A single bench of Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, while hearing Kumar’s plea to quash the FIR, objected to what it called unnecessary demands in the petition, including requests for police protection and action against officers over alleged “biased” conduct.The court observed that such pleas appeared to be pressure tactics intended to influence the ongoing investigation and sensationalise the matter. The court also questioned the petitioner's justification for seeking police protection when he himself is a "suspected accused." The court on Tuesday directed the state authorities to submit status reports on the action taken in all FIRs related to the incident.An FIR has been registered against Deepak Kumar on charges of rioting, causing hurt, and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace, in connection with an incident reported on January 26 in Kotdwar.Kumar allegedly clashed with members of the Bajrang Dal after they objected to a Muslim shopkeeper, Vakil Ahmed, naming his shop “Baba” in Kotdwar. A video of the incident later went viral on social media. Kumar has approached the high court seeking quashing of the FIR.In his petition, Kumar also sought directions from the court to register an FIR under Section 196 of the BNS against those allegedly involved in making hate speeches. He further requested police protection for himself and his family, along with a departmental inquiry against police officers accused of partisan conduct.During the hearing, the high court expressed reservations about the maintainability of such pleas, observing that they appeared to be an attempt to “pressure the investigating agency.”The investigating officer informed the court that the petitioner was not facing any immediate threat.The court questioned the basis of Kumar’s request for protection despite him being a suspected accused, remarking how a person under investigation could seek such relief.The bench added that granting such protection at this stage was entirely unwarranted and seemed aimed at influencing the ongoing probe.The court also took a serious view of the petitioner’s request for a departmental inquiry against police officers, observing that in the absence of any evidence on record to substantiate the allegations, such a plea during the pendency of the inquiry appeared to be an attempt to influence the proceedings.During the hearing, the court was informed that two FIRs had been registered based on the petitioner’s complaint. It was also stated that any related complaint would be placed before the court on Friday.The high court further sought details regarding the funds the petitioner allegedly received from supporters after the incident.According to Deepak, he received approximately Rs 80,000 in donations following the incident, after which he discontinued all activity on the account.(With agency inputs)