A day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) filed a complaint against Instagram influencer and fashion designer Archana Makwana for performing yoga inside the Golden Temple premises, she began receiving threats to her life. In response, she expressed her gratitude to the Vadodara crime branch for providing her with police protection. On Sunday, June 23rd, Makwana took to Instagram to thank the Gujarat Police and the Gujarat government for their swift action, highlighting that she received police protection without having to apply for it.
In her Instagram video message, Makwana said, “I have just received Police protection from the Vadodara crime branch and I didn’t even apply for it. So, I feel really overwhelmed. Gratitude to Vadodara Police and Gujarat Police for taking such quick prompt action and for all those worried about me, please don’t be, I am safe. Thank you to the government of Gujarat for giving me the protection. Thank you, Jai Hind, and Har Har Mahadev.”
Following the SGPC’s complaint against her for performing yoga inside the Sri Darbar Sahib premises on International Yoga Day, Makwana started receiving numerous death and rape threats. She shared some of these threatening messages on her Instagram status, including one where a person wished for a Nirbhaya-like incident to happen to her. Despite her prompt apology for any offense caused, the threats continued, with another individual suggesting she should be grateful to still be alive.
The SGPC’s complaint led to the Punjab Police registering a case against her under Section 295A for hurting religious sentiments. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Harjinder Singh Dhami emphasized that no one should disrespect the sanctity and historical importance of the holy place, accusing Makwana of committing a heinous act by performing yoga without offering prayers. Despite Makwana’s apology, Dhami urged people to avoid actions that necessitate apologies later.
Makwana, known for posing Shirshasana before famous landmarks across India, deleted her controversial posts and issued an apology on Instagram, explaining that she did not intend to offend anyone and performed yoga as a gesture of gratitude after receiving a yoga award in Delhi. She stated she was unaware that practicing yoga on the Gurdwara Sahib premises could be considered offensive.
As the threats escalated, the Vadodara crime branch proactively provided her with police protection, ensuring her safety amidst the ongoing controversy.
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