Cuttack: Two Arrested for Alleged 'Pro-Pakistan' Sloganeering
25 May 2025 12:39 PM IST
The duo are accused of promoting enmity between different communities with the intention of provoking hatred, disturbing public peace, and threatening religious harmony
The Odisha Police on Saturday apprehended two individuals from Cuttack for allegedly raising 'pro-Pakistan' slogans (Representational image: AI-generated)
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police on Saturday apprehended two individuals from Cuttack for allegedly raising 'pro-Pakistan' slogans and attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
The accused were identified as Sourav Kumar Sahoo (27) and Goutam Lenka (28), both residents of the Chauliaganj area in the city.
According to police officials, the duo stands accused of promoting enmity between different communities with the intention of provoking hatred, disturbing public peace, and threatening religious harmony.
Preliminary investigations revealed that on May 15, the accused, accompanied by a group of associates, gathered near the Mahanadi embankment at Gandhipalli Gada. During the gathering, Sourav Kumar Sahoo allegedly raised slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad," while Goutam Lenka recorded the act on his mobile phone, police sources said.
The recorded video was subsequently circulated by Lenka across several WhatsApp groups, raising concerns over its potential impact on communal amity.
In a statement, police said, "The accused persons intentionally created and disseminated a video featuring the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad' with the deliberate intent to disturb public tranquility and social cohesion."
Given Cuttack's reputation as a communally sensitive city, the circulation of such provocative content could have incited unrest and communal discord not just locally, but across the state and beyond, the police noted.
The authorities further stated that the actions of the accused reflect a clear and deliberate attempt to offend religious sentiments and disturb public order.
Two mobile phones used in the commission of the offence have been seized as evidence.
An official investigation is underway to identify other individuals potentially involved in the incident.
The accused were identified as Sourav Kumar Sahoo (27) and Goutam Lenka (28), both residents of the Chauliaganj area in the city.
According to police officials, the duo stands accused of promoting enmity between different communities with the intention of provoking hatred, disturbing public peace, and threatening religious harmony.
Preliminary investigations revealed that on May 15, the accused, accompanied by a group of associates, gathered near the Mahanadi embankment at Gandhipalli Gada. During the gathering, Sourav Kumar Sahoo allegedly raised slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad," while Goutam Lenka recorded the act on his mobile phone, police sources said.
The recorded video was subsequently circulated by Lenka across several WhatsApp groups, raising concerns over its potential impact on communal amity.
In a statement, police said, "The accused persons intentionally created and disseminated a video featuring the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad' with the deliberate intent to disturb public tranquility and social cohesion."
Given Cuttack's reputation as a communally sensitive city, the circulation of such provocative content could have incited unrest and communal discord not just locally, but across the state and beyond, the police noted.
The authorities further stated that the actions of the accused reflect a clear and deliberate attempt to offend religious sentiments and disturb public order.
Two mobile phones used in the commission of the offence have been seized as evidence.
An official investigation is underway to identify other individuals potentially involved in the incident.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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