Odisha Police Detain Two for Allegedly Chanting Pro-Pakistan Slogans

In a significant move, Odisha Police have arrested two men in Cuttack for allegedly chanting pro-Pakistan slogans, raising alarms about potential communal unrest. The suspects, Sourav Kumar Sahoo and Goutam Lenka, reportedly attempted to incite hatred among communities. Their actions, which included recording and sharing the slogans on social media, have drawn serious concerns from law enforcement regarding public order and religious harmony. This incident highlights the delicate communal fabric of Cuttack and the risks posed by such provocative actions. Read on for more details about the arrests and the implications of their actions.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 24, 2025, 23:13 IST

Arrests Made in Cuttack Over Controversial Slogans

Cuttack: On Saturday, law enforcement in Odisha apprehended two individuals for allegedly shouting slogans in favor of Pakistan.

The suspects, identified as Sourav Kumar Sahoo (27) and Goutam Lenka (28), both residents of the Chauliagunj locality, are accused of attempting to provoke animosity among various communities, which could lead to public unrest and disrupt religious harmony, according to police reports.

Investigations indicated that on May 15, the accused, along with others, gathered at the Mahanadi embankment in Gandhipalli Gada. During this gathering, Sourav Kumar Sahoo was heard chanting 'Pakistan Zindabad,' while Goutam Lenka recorded the incident on his mobile device.

Following the recording, Lenka shared the video across multiple WhatsApp groups, as stated by the authorities.

"The accused intentionally produced and shared a video featuring the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad' with the intent to disturb public peace...," the police remarked.

Considering Cuttack's history of communal sensitivity, the dissemination of such a video poses a risk of inciting communal discord and could potentially disrupt peace both within the state and nationwide, the police added.

These actions clearly reflect the malicious intent of the accused to provoke religious sentiments among certain citizens, aiming to instigate disorder and violence.

Authorities have confiscated two mobile phones from the suspects.