Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:13am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday India
Rahul Gandhi met Kotdwar gym trainer Mohammad Deepak Kumar weeks after a Republic Day dispute over a shop name triggered tensions. The row began on January 26 when some people allegedly asked a shopkeeper to change his shop’s name. Deepak said he objected when the group argued with the owner. Police later filed FIRs from both sides. After meeting Gandhi, Deepak said, “He told me not to be afraid. He said I have not done anything wrong.” He added, “He said he will come to Kotdwar and join my gym.” Deepak said his gym membership dropped from 150 to 12–15 daily. (PC: X)
