Pune: ‘Karachi of Pakistan’ Remark on Kondhwa Lands BJP Youth Leader in Trouble, Case Registered
Kondhwa, 30th April 2026: The Kondhwa Police have registered a case against BJP youth wing office-bearer Sarvesh Mehendale for allegedly referring to Kondhwa as the “Karachi of Pakistan” in a video posted on social media. The action follows strong objections from residents and social activists after the clip was widely circulated online.
A senior police official said a suo motu FIR was registered against Mehendale on Wednesday under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to publishing or circulating content that may promote hatred, enmity or ill-will between groups. Further investigation is underway.
According to police, the video was shot from a hospital building on the main road in Kondhwa, where Mehendale was highlighting alleged encroachments outside the premises. However, the caption—“Welcome to Kondhwa of Pakistan”—and his reference to the area as Karachi drew sharp criticism from locals.
Following the video’s circulation, a group of activists, including members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), staged a protest outside the Kondhwa police station, demanding action. Subsequently, the police registered the case.
The video has since been taken down, with a message on the platform stating that the account is not available in India due to compliance with a legal request to restrict the content.
