Mumbai, March 3: Karachi Bakery in Mumbai's suburban Bandra has been closed. The development came months after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers objected to its "Pakistani" name. Only the Bandra outlet of the bakery was closed. The outlet was part of the Hyderabad-based chain. MNS leader Haji Saif Shaikh claimed that the outlet was closed after protests on its name "Karachi".

However, the Mumbai North Central District Forum rejected Shaikh's claim. The MNCDF, in a tweet, said, "False spreading of information! The Karachi Bakery has shut its store due to lack of business and not because of @mnshajisaif, nothing more then a failed attempt to mislead citizens. Please Note!" Karachi Bakery Posts ‘Absolutely Indian by Heart’ Message on Social Media After Protest Outside Bengaluru Outlet.

Tweet by MNCDF: 

In November, the MNS leader had sent a legal notice to the owner Khanchand Ramani, saying that the word Karachi hurts the sentiments of ordinary Indians and the Indian Army because it is a Pakistani city. The bakery should be renamed, and the signboard should be in Marathi, he had demanded. Karachi Bakery in Bengaluru Covers 'Karachi' From Nameplate After Mob Protests Against Name.

In its response, the bakery owner said it was established by a Sindhi-Hindu family which migrated from Pakistan, and the brand is now recognized globally. They did not use the name Karachi to hurt the feelings of Indians. In fact, bakery founder Khanchand Ramani had experienced violence by pro-Pakistan elements during Partition, it said.

"It is incorrect to suggest that my client (bakery owner) has disrespected the sacrifice of our soldiers. The bakery has always been Indian and will continue to do so. Therefore, every allegation questioning my client's loyalty towards India is incorrect and unwarranted," the reply said.

In November last year also, a Shiv Sena worker had taken objection to the name of a shop "Karachi Sweets" located in Bandra. However, the party distanced itself from the views of its worker.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2021 12:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).