Maha CM claims PFI protesters shouted ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ in Pune, Police say no

Top Maharashtra government functionaries including chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis claimed that members of the Popular Front of India had shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans during a protest in Pune against the arrest of their leaders a few days earlier.

The claim was repeated by media outlets like Times Now, ANI, Republic, Nai Duniya, and Lokmat.

#Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said those who allegedly raised “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans in Pune – the "land of Shivaji" will face stringent actionhttps://t.co/QhBB7cMV2z

— HTMumbai (@HTMumbai) September 24, 2022

#WATCH | Maharashtra: ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans were heard outside the District Collector's office yesterday in Pune City where PFI cadres gathered against the recent ED-CBI-Police raids against their outfit. Some cadres were detained by Police; they were arrested this morning. pic.twitter.com/XWEx2utZZm

— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2022

Did PFI protesters shout ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans in Pune? Police say no.

Police officials in a video message said that PFI members were shouting “Zindabad, Zindabad, Popular Front Zindabad”. There were no “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans.

They said this to Newslaundry too. “Nobody shouted Pakistan Zindabad slogans. This is utterly false. Their slogan was ‘Popular Front Zindabad’,” Pratap Mankar, senior police inspector, Bund Garden, said.

Please find the 3 original videos at the same time. You will not find any controversial slogans in these videos.#TimesNow is disseminating fake videos to satisfy their lust for TRP. #ShameGodiMedia #PFI pic.twitter.com/u62Aa7xF1G

— Azhar Tamboli 🕊 (@AzharIND) September 24, 2022

“This is complete fake news. Some channels are spreading misinformation to disturb peace and harmony in our city. We have checked everything, and thoroughly. The protesters were shouting slogans in favour of the Popular Front and not Pakistan,” another cop said to the news website.