Punjab Police have taken legal action against influencer Archana Makwana. Do yoga inside the Golden Temple She has been charged under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting religion or religious beliefs.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which oversees gurdwaras across India, had earlier filed a formal complaint with police, alleging that Makwana’s actions had hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs.
Makwana, who describes herself as a lifestyle influencer, entrepreneur and travel blogger on her Instagram profile, posted photos and videos of herself performing yoga at the Golden Temple on International Yoga Day on June 21.
“The woman left the Golden Temple after performing yoga without offering prayers,” SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said.
Makwana has since removed the content from her social media accounts and apologised on her Instagram stories.
“I was not aware that performing yoga on the grounds of Gurdwara Sahib could cause offense to some people. I was just paying my respects to him and had no intention of hurting anyone,” Makwana wrote. “I sincerely apologise for any hurt I may have caused and promise to act more carefully in future. Please accept my sincere apology.”
But despite his apology, Makwana claimed he has also received death threats over the phone.
An SGPC spokesperson condemned Makwana’s actions and demanded a thorough investigation into her intentions.
Inputs by Aman Bhardwaj
