NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday heaped praises for Deepak Kumar — Kotdwar man who identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak” while confronting a group of Bajrang Dal members to shield a Muslim shopkeeper.In a social media post on X, Rahul said that Deepak has defended the tricolour and Constitution by standing firm against hate.“In the hearts of millions of Indians lies the ideology of harmony and love, yet there is also fear in their minds – Deepak has shown the way to all of them with his courage,” Rahul said.“Those who try to spread hate and intimidate society are, in truth, cowards – never fear them. Deepak has defended our tricolour and our Constitution. He stood firm against hate, protected the weak – there is no greater patriotism than this,” he added.This comes after “Mohammed Deepak” met the Congress leader at his Delhi residence on Monday.After the meeting, Deepak said that Rahul assured him that what he did was good and that he should not be afraid.“Rahul Gandhi ji had called me here today. He spoke to my wife and family, and assured me that what I did was good and that I should not have any fear. He also said that he would travel to Kotdwar and take a membership in my gym,” Deepak said.“Today, the situation (in Kotdwar) is better than before. Rahul ji made me meet Sonia ji as well. I have nothing to do with politics. It is good to know that someone understands that I raised my voice for humanity,” he added.In January, Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest outside the ‘Baba’ clothing store on Patel Marg, demanding that its 70-year-old owner, Vakil Ahmed, change the shop’s name. Clashes broke out between the protesters as Deepak, who is a friend of Ahmed’s son, intervened, prompting police action.The situation was brought under control, and police later registered three separate FIRs in connection with the incidents.Tensions flared again after a video circulated by the Hindu Raksha Dal showed a man threatening to march to Kotdwara on February 12 to “teach Deepak a lesson.”The local administration stepped up security to prevent further escalation. Additional superintendent of police Chandra Mohan Singh said no one would be allowed to disturb peace in the town and warned of strict action against those attempting to incite trouble.