Pune Trader Receives Threat Call from Pakistan After Leading Boycott of Turkish Apples

Pune, 15th May 2025: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, a Pune-based fruit trader who spearheaded a campaign to boycott Turkish apples has reportedly received threatening calls from Pakistan.

Suyog Zende, a trader at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yard in Pune, said he received a series of calls from a Pakistan-based number on Wednesday morning. The calls, followed by a threatening voice message, came after he publicly supported the nationwide “Ban Turkey” trend and stopped sourcing Turkish apples.

“Today at 9:13 a.m., I received seven WhatsApp calls from a number registered in Pakistan,” Zende said. “A voice message followed, saying ‘You Indians can’t do anything.’ I want to tell them clearly — we are the ‘descendants’ of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. You will see what we can do.”

Zende was among the first traders in Pune to discontinue the purchase and sale of apples imported from Turkey, in protest of Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. His decision quickly gathered momentum and sparked similar actions by fruit traders across India.

The Pune Market Yard, one of the largest hubs for imported fruits in Maharashtra, regularly receives shipments of apples from multiple countries, including Turkey. However, following the boycott, Turkish apple imports have come to a halt.

“The campaign started here in Pune, and I’m proud that it’s now being followed across the country,” said Zende. “But these threats will not shake our resolve.”
Zende added that he plans to meet Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and file a formal complaint about the threatening call and voice message.

Authorities have not yet commented on the incident, but police sources said the matter will be taken seriously given the cross-border nature of the threat.
The “Ban Turkey” trend has gained traction across various sectors in recent days, especially as diplomatic ties between India and Turkey remain strained due to Ankara’s repeated statements in support of Islamabad.