Deepak Kumar, a gym owner from Uttarakhand who came into the public eye earlier this year after confronting Bajrang Dal members who were allegedly harassing a Muslim shopkeeper, was granted bail by a local court on Friday, a day after his arrest in a case involving alleged threats to a businessman.
Kumar was produced before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s court in Kotdwar at around 6:30 pm and was granted bail after furnishing three bonds of ₹50,000 each.
The court also issued him a notice under Section 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), warning of action if he causes a breach of peace during the next six months.
Businessman Alleges Threats
The action followed a complaint filed on Thursday evening by local businessman Sanjeev Tonk.
According to the complaint, Tonk had commented on a social media post shared by Kumar. Police said Kumar allegedly went to Tonk’s shop around 10:30 am on Thursday, abused him and threatened to kill him following the social media exchange.
Police initially registered a case under Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to criminal intimidation, and Section 352, relating to intentional insult.
Officials said Sections 196, concerning promoting enmity between groups, and 115, concerning voluntarily causing hurt, were later added based on the investigation and CCTV footage.
Police Defend Arrest
A senior police official said Kumar had previously been involved in disputes that police claimed had affected law and order.
“The investigation also revealed Deepak’s prior involvement in social disputes that disrupted law and order. He was arrested on Thursday under Section 170 of the BNSS to prevent further offences after reports of him gathering crowds and creating a tense atmosphere,” the official said.
Police had said the arrest was preventive in nature and intended to prevent a possible breach of peace.
January Incident Brought Kumar Into Spotlight
Kumar first attracted widespread attention in January following a dispute in Kotdwar involving the name of a Muslim shopkeeper’s establishment.
A video circulated on social media showed Kumar confronting Bajrang Dal members during the dispute and identifying himself as “Mohammad Deepak” while backing the shopkeeper.
