‘Mohammad Deepak’ Refuses ₹2 Lakh Reward Offered by Jharkhand Health Minister

Nainital, Feb 7, 2026: A heartwarming act of courage in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, has captured nationwide attention, spreading rapidly on social media and drawing praise from politicians across party lines.

Deepak Kumar, also known as Mohammad Deepak, came into the spotlight on January 26, Republic Day, when he intervened to defend an elderly Muslim shopkeeper whose store sign, bearing the word “Baba,” had triggered objections from a group of people. Stepping in, Deepak voiced his support for the shopkeeper and introduced himself as Mohammad Deepak, instantly winning admiration online and in the media.

In recognition of his courageous act, Jharkhand’s Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari announced a reward of ₹2 lakh for Deepak. However, he declined the reward, stating that the money should instead be given to someone differently-abled or in need. Deepak told reporters, “The information about the reward reached me through social media. I requested that the funds be used for a differently-abled person or someone in need.”

Earlier, Deepak had also received appreciation from former Uttarakhand Congress ministers Surendra Singh Negi and Harak Singh Rawat, but he clarified that he does not belong to any political party and wishes to stay away from political controversies.

The incident occurred at Baba School Garments, a 30-year-old shop run by lawyer Ahmed in Kotdwar. Ahmed said the word “Baba” has been part of the shop’s name for decades and is commonly used across all religions, not just Hinduism. On the day of the incident, after Deepak spoke up, members of the protesting group left, and Deepak emphasized, “I am an ordinary person. I am neither Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, nor Christian.”

Deepak’s act has since become a symbol of communal harmony, earning him widespread respect on social media, news platforms, and among political leaders.