India Vs Pakistan: Karachi Bakery attacked in Hyderabad, BJP leaders demand name change

Hyderabad: While the escalations between India and Pakistan are currently frozen, a mob in Hyderabad attacked city-based Karachi Bakery. This wasn’t the first attack. Earlier, a mob protested at the Karachi Bakery branch in Vizag demanding ‘change in the name’.

Tension prevailed on Sunday at Karachi Bakery in Shamshabad, as BJP workers staged a protest condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and alleged cross-border aggression by Pakistan. Around a dozen BJP activists, waving Indian national flags, gathered in front of the popular bakery outlet.

The group raised slogans ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogans and expressed solidarity with the Indian armed forces. The situation escalated as protesters began damaging the bakery’s signboard using sticks. A few police personnel initially present at the site were unable to prevent the protesters from damaging the bakery’s signage.

Additional forces from the RGI Airport Police Station also rushed to the spot and swiftly dispersed the crowd, restoring normalcy at the site. BJP leaders present at the protest demanded that the bakery change its name, or at the very least, remove the name board displaying 'Karachi', citing it as insensitive in light of ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

Karachi Bakery, an iconic brand established in Hyderabad decades ago, has repeatedly clarified that it has no political connections or affiliations with Pakistan, and that the name reflects the family’s heritage and origin before the Partition.

Police officials confirmed that no arrests were made, but stated that further action may be considered depending on the outcome of the inquiry.

Karachi Bakery paste Indian flag over brand to clear misconceptions

On May 7, following the protest, a police bandobast was arranged at some of the Karachi Bakery branches in Hyderabad. "The bakery owners were advised to put up the national flag above the name 'Karachi'," police told NewsMeter while they were deployed on security duties near the bakery outlet in Rasoolpura.

Full Statement from Karachi Bakery:

"We would like to clarify that Karachi Bakery was founded by Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated to India during the Partition. The brand was established in 1953 and is an Indian company based in Hyderabad. The popularity and love of our products have contributed to our growth across India and abroad. The essence of Karachi Bakery is absolutely Indian at heart and will remain so. We request everyone to refrain from misconceptions.”

Karachi Bakery appeals for police & govt support amid protests over its name

On May 9, the owners of Hyderabad’s iconic Karachi Bakery appealed to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and DGP Dr Jitender, seeking their support and intervention to protect their brand, which they say is being unfairly targeted whenever tensions between India and Pakistan arise.

Rajesh and Harish Ramnani, who manage the renowned bakery famous for its fruit biscuits, stressed that Karachi Bakery is an Indian brand through and through, deeply rooted in Hyderabad’s culture and history.

“Our grandfather, Khanchand Ramnani, started Karachi Bakery in 1953 after moving to Hyderabad following the 1947 Partition,” the owners stated. Though he named it after his hometown Karachi, which he was forced to leave, the bakery was born and built in India,” said Rajesh and Harish Ramnani.

The Ramnani family urged the public to support their legacy and understand the historical context. “We have been part of Hyderabad for over 70 years. Karachi Bakery is an Indian institution. We request the support of the people, and the guidance of the Chief Minister and police authorities, so we are not forced to change our name under pressure.”