Yoga at Golden Temple: SGPC says influencer had 'nefarious agenda', demands arrest

Social media influencer Archana Makwana, who performed Yoga at Amritsar's Golden Temple, has locked horns with authorities managing the place of worship. The Gujarat-based influencer said she is ready for a legal battle if the FIR against her is not withdrawn.

In turn, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) demanded that Punjab Police should arrest Makwana to help 'unearth the anti-Sikh nefarious design' of her act last week.

Makwana had performed Yoga at the Golden Temple on June 21 to mark International Yoga Day.

Makwana released a fresh statement on Thursday claiming that no one stopped her from filming herself at the Golden Temple and that there was nothing wrong with her intent. "A Sikh clicked that picture. If Sikhs present there were not aware that it was not allowed, then how can I know about it? The SGPC should take the FIR back, or otherwise, I am ready for a legal fight," she wrote.

Responding to her, the SGPC issued a statement. "The entire design of Archana Makwana’s behaviour and acts is clear from her social media activities in the last six days," it said.

"First, she violated decorum at Sri Harmandar Sahib Golden Temple by hurting sentiments of the Sikh community after posting objectionable photo/video on her social media." the SGPC statement added.

The SGPC had earlier filed a police complaint against a fashion designer and lifestyle influencer for "hurting religious sentiments" by performing yoga at the Golden Temple and sharing those photographs on social media.

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