Pro-Palestine group stages protest outside pizza outlet in Pune; clashes with Hindutva activists, case filed

TOI City Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 16, 2025, 08:35 IST

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Following a pro-Palestine demonstration outside a pizza chain in Karvenagar on May 8, police have registered cases against members of BDS India. The protesters, accused of promoting Hamas and inciting communal disharmony, faced counter-accusations and a separate FIR was lodged against Hindutva activists for allegedly assaulting them during the protest, escalating tensions.

Pro-Palestine group stages protest outside pizza outlet in Pune; clashes with Hindutva activists, case filed

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NEW DELHI: Police have filed cases against members of a pro-Palestine group for staging a protest outside a popular pizza chain outlet in the Karvenagar area on May 8. The protesters were seen holding pro-Palestine posters, prompting a response from Hindutva activists. Cross FIRs were lodged at Warje-Malwadi police station, with BDS India members Sasmit Rao, Kamal Shah, Swapnaja Limkar, Lalita Tangirala, and others accused of promoting organizations like Hamas and attempting to create communal disharmony through their protest. A separate case has been filed against Hindutva activists for assaulting the protesters during the demonstration.

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Police have filed cases against members of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions India group for protesting outside a popular pizza chain in the Karvenagar area on May 8.
Protesters were accused of promoting organizations like Hamas and attempting to incite communal disharmony, leading to cross FIRs lodged at Warje-Malwadi police station.
A separate case was filed against Hindutva activists for assaulting the pro-Palestine protesters during the demonstration.

(With PTI inputs)

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