Persian Cat Dispute Sparks Viral ‘Go to Pakistan’ Controversy in Hyderabad Apartment

A dispute over a pet cat in a Hyderabad apartment complex has escalated into a controversy involving alleged communal remarks, leading to a viral video and police action.

The incident took place at Janapriya Lakefront Apartments, where Sheik Naseema has been living as a tenant for the past year. Her two sons work in Delhi.

According to family members, around ten days ago, a young woman named Prachi Lokhandwala was reportedly forced to vacate her rented accommodation following a disagreement with her landlord. With nowhere else to stay, she sought help from friends. One of them suggested that she temporarily stay with Naseema.

Muslim Boy Allegedly Threatened, Called ‘Pakistani’ in Malkajgiri
A disturbing incident was reported at #Janapriya #LakeView Apartments under #Malkajgiri police limits, where a Muslim boy was allegedly intimidated and called a "Pakistani." pic.twitter.com/z8VTdmibCM
— Hyderabad Post (@TheHydPost) June 18, 2026

Prachi, however, had a Persian cat. Despite suffering from allergies, Naseema agreed to provide shelter to both Prachi and her pet. The cat was reportedly being kept in the apartment’s balcony.

Soon, some residents raised objections to the presence of the cat and lodged a complaint with the apartment association. When society representatives approached Naseema, she reportedly assured them that the balcony would be cleaned and informed them that Prachi was in the process of finding a new residence and would move out shortly with her pet.

The situation allegedly took a serious turn when a senior office-bearer of the society began making derogatory remarks against Naseema and her family. Family members claim that they were called “Pakistanis” and were told to leave the country despite being Indian citizens.

During the confrontation, a young boy identified as Nadeem Ahmed, a friend of Naseema’s children, reportedly stepped forward to defend the family. In the now-viral video, the boy can be heard asserting his Indian identity and stating that his grandfather served as a Subedar in the Indian Army.

The video quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism. Following the public outrage, an FIR was reportedly registered against several individuals involved in the incident, including the man seen making the controversial remarks.

The episode has also highlighted questions about discrimination, communal prejudice, and the treatment of pet owners in residential societies. Notably, legal experts point out that the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the rights of residents to keep pets in housing societies, and blanket bans on pets are generally not permissible.

Many social media users have praised Naseema for offering shelter to a friend in need despite her own health concerns and have commended young Nadeem Ahmed for standing up against what they viewed as unfair and offensive remarks.

The incident continues to generate discussion online, with calls for stricter action against hate speech and greater awareness about the rights of both residents and pet owners in apartment communities.