By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Sangh Parivar of “deliberately spreading economic and social poison in the country” following a growing rift between Hindu activists and a Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar town of Uttarakhand even as an FIR was filed against unknown people for disturbing peace.
“Deepak Kumar from Uttarakhand is a hero of India. Deepak is fighting for the Constitution and for humanity – for the very Constitution that the BJP and the Sangh Parivar are conspiring to trample upon every day,” Gandhi said on the social media sharing a photograph of Deepak Kumar, who runs a gym in Kotdwar and had confronted the Hindu activists describing his name as “Mohammad Deepak.”
“He is a living symbol of a shop of love in the market of hatred, and this is what bothers those in power the most,” Gandhi said.
“The Sangh Parivar is deliberately spreading economic and social poison in the country so that India remains divided and a few people can continue to rule through fear. The BJP government in Uttarakhand is openly supporting the anti-social forces that are engaged in intimidating and harassing ordinary citizens,” Gandhi said.
“We need more Deepaks – who do not bow down, who do not fear, and who stand firmly with the Constitution. We are with you, brother. Don’t be afraid. You are a lion,” Gandhi said.
Deepka Kumar had stopped some Bajrang Dal activists who were threatening Vakeek Ahmed a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper over using Baba in his shop name. Baba is considered a holy Hindu word in Kotdwar.
In a video of the incident, Deepak Kumar was seen confronting the mob and asking why only Hindus can name their shops Baba but not Ahmed.
Meanwhile, several social activists and CPI-ML leader Indresh Maikhuri met Deepak at Kotdwar and said they would provide all support to him in the secular cause.
Meanwhile, an FIR has been filed in Kotdwar police station against unknown people for disturbing peace in the town.