Archana Makwana, fashion designer and social media influencer who performed yoga inside the premises of Golden Temple, has now been provided with police protection after she faced death threats.
Makwana performed 'Shirshasan' at the temple on June 21 to mark International Yoga Day and posted pictures of it on social media which went viral, drawing criticism, abuses, and death threats. She had apologised for her actions and said she never intended to hurt anyone's religious sentiments.
"I performed Shirshasan to offer thanks on the Yoga Day and not to hurt anybody's sentiments. I did not intend any such thing. I feel bad that you felt bad. I did not intend to hurt religious sentiments. I apologise, I have been perceived wrongly. I have received death threats and abuses," she said.
The Punjab police on Sunday registered a case against Makwana under Indian Penal Code section 295-A (deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class) after a complaint filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
A Vadodara police official on Monday said, "Makwana has been provided police protection at the local level for one week starting Sunday which may be extended if required."
After receiving criticism for her photos posted on social media, Makwana removed them and apologised in a video, saying she performed yoga at the holy place to spread the message of unity and fitness.
She also thanked the Vadodara police for the security provided by them.
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Gujarat police and Vadodara police for taking such a quick, prompt action ...Thank you Government of Gujarat for giving me police protection," she said.
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