Punjab Police on Wednesday asked Gujarat-based social media influencer Archana Makwana, who is accused of performing yoga at Sri Durbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, to join the investigation till June 30.
The incident has sparked outrage among Sikhs, who claim it is a violation of the “sacred precepts” of the Darbar Sahib.
Amritsar police have served her with a notice. “If she does not appear before them by June 30, two more notices will be served. If she still does not appear before the police, a team will be sent to arrest her,” a senior police official told media.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Darpan Ahluwalia said they would first record Archana Makwana’s statement and only then would they arrest her. “A notice has been issued to Archana to present herself at the police station and record her statement.”
In a social media post, Archana Makwana said that she will no longer visit any gurdwara.
The social media influencer was arrested by Punjab Police last week for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by performing yoga on the Golden Temple premises. She was given protection by Gujarat Police after receiving multiple threatening calls.
The FIR under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (willfully and maliciously insulting the religious feelings of any class) was filed after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) filed a complaint with the Amritsar police against the fashion designer.
SGPC general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal on Monday asked the woman Instagram influencer to join the police investigation.
In response to a media question about Archana Makwana’s claim that her life was in danger after the incident, Grewal said, “Sikhism always respects women.”
She urged social media influencers to file complaints against people who are sending death and rape threats. She stressed that Sikhs do not engage in such acts or threaten anyone. She said her allegations are being made only to defame Sikhs.
The SGPC, considered a “mini parliament” of religions, had filed a police complaint on June 22 against Instagram influencer Archana Makwana after her photos of her performing yoga went viral.
Amid the uproar, she expressed regret and issued a public apology.
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