Protesters demand ‘Karachi Bakery’ name change over Pakistan connection after Pahalgam attack

Tensions flared outside Karachi Bakery in Venkojipalem, Visakhapatnam on Tuesday as members of the Janajagrana Samiti held a demonstration demanding an immediate change in the bakery’s name. The protesters argued that the name ‘Karachi’, which references a major city in Pakistan, was offensive and inappropriate in the current national climate.

The protest comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including two from Andhra Pradesh — incidents that have heightened anti-Pakistan sentiment across the country. Protesters accused the bakery of retaining a name associated with what they called a “hostile nation,” and claimed it was an insult to Indian sentiments.

Holding placards and chanting slogans, the demonstrators said the bakery must either change its name or face legal consequences. Some even called for charges of treason to be pressed if the establishment refused to comply. “We will not tolerate any glorification or subtle support of Pakistan-linked names or entities,” one protestor declared.

Karachi Bakery, founded in 1953 in Hyderabad by Sindhi migrants who came to India during the Partition, has often faced criticism over its name despite having no connection to Pakistan beyond the city of origin of its founder. The owners have repeatedly clarified their Indian roots and allegiance to the nation, but such clarifications have often failed to appease protestors during emotionally charged times.

The latest protest was particularly intense due to the deaths of Telugu-speaking civilians in the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. Among them were Somisetti Madhusudhan, a software engineer from Andhra Pradesh living in Bengaluru, and JS Chandramouli, a retired bank officer from Visakhapatnam. Their deaths have sparked deep emotional responses across the Telugu community, intensifying scrutiny of symbols seen as foreign or insensitive.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief over the deaths, calling it a “deep loss” for the state. Meanwhile, the bakery has yet to respond to the latest wave of protests, but police maintained a presence at the location to prevent escalation.