Vadodara-based fashion designer and lifestyle influencer Archana Makwana, who is facing a criminal case after performing yoga at the Golden Temple on June 21, has, in her latest video, pleaded that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should drop the charges against her despite the Gujarat Police registering an FIR against her for issuing death threats against unidentified persons.
Makwana released a new video statement saying he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of Sikhs.
“When I was doing sherash asna (handstand), some devotees were watching. I was not aware of any rules or regulations. No one stopped me or spoke to me. My intentions were not bad. The problem started when some people outside India spread my pictures and said that the sentiments of Sikhs had been hurt by my act. The SGPC’s baseless FIR has made things worse for me. Was there any need to register an FIR apart from making me suffer this mental torture? They can still quash the FIR. If not, my legal team is ready to fight,” she added.
An SGPC spokesperson hit back, saying Makwana is yet to apologise and appears to be operating on a malicious and hateful agenda.
“Even after her apology, Makwana continues to post objectionable content on social media and incites people to desist from visiting Gurdwara Sahib. In today’s video, she claims that no guidelines regarding sacrament have been posted, when in fact a large screen has been installed at the entrance gate of Ghanta Ghar. SGPC demands Makwana’s arrest and sentencing in court,” the spokesperson said.
Based on the SGPC complaint, an FIR under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting religion or religious belief) was registered at E-zone police station in Amritsar.
An FIR against unidentified persons who had threatened Makwana.
The Vadodara police on Thursday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified persons for issuing death threats to Makwana.
Based on her complaint, an FIR under Section 507 of the Indian Penal Code (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication) was registered at Karelibag police station on Wednesday night, officials said. The FIR was not available to the public on the state home department website as police had classified it as “confidential”.
“She has alleged that unidentified persons had issued death threats to her through email, WhatsApp and Instagram after a photograph of her performing ‘sirsasan’ (handstand) at the Golden Temple went viral. No suspects have been named in the investigation report,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Panna Momaya said.
