Bhubaneswar – A tattoo artist and a parlour owner in Odisha's Bhubaneswar were arrested on Monday after a photo of Lord Jagannath’s tattoo on a foreign woman’s thigh went viral, sparking outrage among devotees and Hindu groups.
The accused have been identified as Rockey Ranjan Bisoi, the parlour owner, and Aswini Kumar Pradhan, the tattoo artist. A case has been registered against them under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious sentiments.
During interrogation, Rockey admitted that Aswini had inked the tattoo at the woman’s request, despite being advised against it. The controversy erupted after the image circulated on social media, prompting protests from Jagannath devotees and Hindu organizations.
Police sources believe the woman is an Italian national working for an NGO, though her identity is still being verified. Following the backlash, both the woman and the tattoo parlour owner issued public apologies.
In a video message, the woman, with folded hands, expressed remorse, stating, "I didn’t intend to be disrespectful. I am a true devotee of Lord Jagannath and visit the temple daily. I made a mistake and deeply regret it. I asked for the tattoo to be placed in a hidden spot and never wanted any controversy. Once it heals, I will have it removed. Please forgive me."
The parlour owner also clarified that the woman insisted on getting the tattoo despite his warnings.
Police have assured that investigations are ongoing while ensuring law and order in the city.
#Bhubaneswar #TattooControversy #LordJagannath #HinduSentiments #OdishaNews #TattooArtist #CulturalRespect #ReligiousOutrage #PublicApology #SocialMediaBacklash
The accused have been identified as Rockey Ranjan Bisoi, the parlour owner, and Aswini Kumar Pradhan, the tattoo artist. A case has been registered against them under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious sentiments.
During interrogation, Rockey admitted that Aswini had inked the tattoo at the woman’s request, despite being advised against it. The controversy erupted after the image circulated on social media, prompting protests from Jagannath devotees and Hindu organizations.
Police sources believe the woman is an Italian national working for an NGO, though her identity is still being verified. Following the backlash, both the woman and the tattoo parlour owner issued public apologies.
In a video message, the woman, with folded hands, expressed remorse, stating, "I didn’t intend to be disrespectful. I am a true devotee of Lord Jagannath and visit the temple daily. I made a mistake and deeply regret it. I asked for the tattoo to be placed in a hidden spot and never wanted any controversy. Once it heals, I will have it removed. Please forgive me."
The parlour owner also clarified that the woman insisted on getting the tattoo despite his warnings.
Police have assured that investigations are ongoing while ensuring law and order in the city.
#Bhubaneswar #TattooControversy #LordJagannath #HinduSentiments #OdishaNews #TattooArtist #CulturalRespect #ReligiousOutrage #PublicApology #SocialMediaBacklash
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