Deepak also met Sonia Gandhi during the visit. Congress leader Vaibhav Walia, Deepak’s friend Vijay Rawat and others were present

Rahul Gandhi later said on social media that every human being is equal and described Deepak as a symbol of unity and courage

He added that he would visit Kotdwar and take membership at Deepak’s gym. Gandhi also spoke with Deepak’s wife over the phone

The issue began on January 26 when activists linked to Bajrang Dal protested outside a clothing shop named ‘Baba’ on Patel Marg in Kotdwar. They allegedly pressured its 70-year-old owner, Vakil Ahmed, to change the shop’s name

Clashes broke out between the activists and Deepak Kumar, who intervened. During the confrontation, he identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak” and asked the protesters to leave