Uttarakhand shop name row sparks communal tension in Pauri, police file two FIRs

Communal tension was reported in the Kotdwar area of Pauri district in Uttarakhand after a dispute over the name of a local shop led to protests, threats, and clashes with the police. The incident, which unfolded over several days, prompted the police to register two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against named and unidentified individuals. Senior police officials said the situation is now under control, and investigations are underway to identify all those involved.

According to the police, the dispute began when a group of right-wing activists allegedly objected to the name of a garment shop that has been operating in the area for nearly 30 years. The issue escalated into a larger confrontation, disrupting public order and causing fear among shopkeepers and residents.

Shopkeeper alleges threats and intimidation

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pauri, Sarvesh Panwar, said that the first FIR was registered based on a written complaint filed by the shop owner, Wakeel Ahmed. Ahmed runs a shop named “Baba School Dress” on Patel Marg in Kotdwar and has been in business at the same location for three decades.

In his complaint, Ahmed stated that on January 26, 2026, three to four young men entered his shop and identified themselves as members of the Bajrang Dal. He alleged that they demanded he change the name of his shop immediately and warned him of “dire consequences” if he failed to do so. According to Ahmed, the men told him that the word “Baba” should be removed from the shop’s name and that continuing with the same name would not end well for him.

Ahmed further claimed that the men used threatening language and tried to intimidate him, leaving him fearful for his safety. He later identified two of the alleged individuals as Gaurav Kashyap and Shakti Singh Gonsai. He also mentioned that several other associates were present, though he could not identify them.

Based on the complaint, the Kotdwar Police Station registered an FIR against the two named individuals and their unidentified associates. The case has been filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to voluntarily causing hurt, house trespass after preparation for violence, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace.

SSP Panwar said the police are taking the allegations seriously. He added that officers are examining evidence, recording statements, and ensuring that the complainant and his family feel safe.

Protest, highway blockade, and second FIR

The situation worsened on Saturday when a large group, allegedly consisting of 30 to 40 members of a right-wing organisation, gathered in Kotdwar to protest. According to the police, the group blocked National Highway 534 for over an hour, causing major inconvenience to commuters. Vehicles were stranded, and people including women, elderly citizens, and those requiring emergency services were affected.

A second FIR was registered based on a complaint by Sub-Inspector Vinod Kumar Chaprana. The complaint stated that the protesters raised provocative slogans, attempted to incite communal disharmony, and physically obstructed police personnel who were trying to manage the situation. The police also alleged that some protesters manhandled officers and tried to break through barricades despite repeated appeals to maintain calm.

SSP Panwar said intelligence inputs had warned the police about a possible escalation. The police had received information that a group was planning to target a local gym owner, Deepak Kumar, who had come out in support of the Muslim shopkeeper. Acting on this input, a police team intercepted a convoy of 12 to 15 vehicles at the Kaudiya Barrier. However, the situation quickly turned tense as the group allegedly used their vehicles to block the road and began shouting slogans that hurt religious sentiments.

According to the FIR, despite the presence of senior officers and additional police force, the protesters became aggressive. They allegedly engaged in scuffles with the police, removed their shoes, and waved them to create fear among the public. The group later reached the Patel Marg market area, where they continued shouting slogans outside the garment shop, further escalating tension.

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The second FIR includes charges under various sections of the BNS related to rioting, promoting enmity between groups, voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servants from duty, wrongful restraint, and intentional insult. Section 7 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1934, has also been invoked.

The SSP said that most of the accused are believed to have come from outside Kotdwar, mainly from Dehradun and Haridwar. Sub-Inspector Dinesh Chamoli has been appointed as the investigating officer. Police teams are now reviewing video footage, social media clips, and local intelligence inputs to identify and arrest those involved.

Meanwhile, gym owner Deepak Kumar, aged 46, shared his account of the events. He said he was confronted by a group of Bajrang Dal workers after he defended Wakeel Ahmed. Deepak said that when the group questioned his identity, he told them, “My name is Mohammad Deepak.” He explained that the shop’s name had no religious meaning and had existed peacefully for many years.

Deepak claimed that despite the shopkeeper’s explanation, the workers continued to harass and threaten him. On Saturday, a large group allegedly gathered outside his gym in the presence of police, demanding that he come out. In a video recorded during the protest, some protesters were heard making provocative remarks about his identity and questioning his support for the Muslim shopkeeper.

SSP Panwar said that police deployment has been increased in sensitive areas and that peace meetings are being held with local residents and community leaders. “The situation is under control, and strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for disturbing law and order,” he said.