BJP Workers Once Again Vandalise Indian-Owned Karachi Bakery Outlet in Hyderabad
Saicharan Sana
Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers vandalised an outlet of Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad, Telangana on Saturday, 10 May, just hours before both countries announced an “understanding for stoppage of firing and military action”.
The incident took place around 3 pm outside the bakery’s Shamshabad branch, which lies within the jurisdiction of the RGI Airport Police Station.
The vandals, wearing saffron shawls, were seen stepping on Pakistani flags and chanting slogans against Pakistan.
Video footage showed them striking the signboard with sticks, specifically targeting the word ‘Karachi’.
“A couple of BJP workers showed up outside the Shamshabad Karachi Bakery within the RGI Airport Police Station limits at about 3 pm. They raised slogans and took issue with the bakery’s name. They tried to damage the signboard,” said Inspector K Balaraju of the RGI Airport Police.
“We detained them before they could inflict extensive damage.”
However, Police later let the detained vandals go.
“Karachi Bakery did not want to press charges against them,” Inspector Balaraju added.
Historic outlet, recurring flashpoint
The bakery, a well-known establishment in Hyderabad since 1953, has often been the focus of protests during periods of heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
The name refers to the founder’s hometown prior to India’s independence. Despite repeated incidents over the years, the bakery has continued to operate across India, maintaining its name as a tribute to its founder’s roots.
BJP Telangana Spokesperson Natcharaju Venkata Subhash condemned the act.
“I am unaware of any BJP workers taking part in such vandalism. However, I know that a Karachi Bakery outlet was vandalised,” he told South First.
“I do not think it was the right thing to do. Just because it has Karachi in its name does not mean that it belongs to Karachi. Many of the bakery’s outlets proudly display the Indian flag in front of their stores.”
This report first appeared on South First and has been republished with permission.
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