FIR over fashion show for hurting religious sentiments

MODELS WORE DRESSES BEARING HINDU MANTRAS AND RELIGIOUS SYMBOL ‘OM’ DURING SHOW HELD BY SUTLEJ CLUB ON AUG 11

LUDHIANA :Around two and a half months after Hindu organisations raised a hue and cry over a fashion show held at the Sutlej Club here, the police on Tuesday registered a case against organisers of the show.

A case under Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered against organiser Richy Arora of Mumbai.

Additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP-City 3) Surindra Lamba said an investigation is on to find out the role of the club members in the matter.

The fashion show was organised by the Sutlej Club on August 11. The models were wearing dresses bearing Hindu mantras (holy hymns) and the religious symbol ‘Om’.

This attracted the ire of Hindu organisations. Community leaders approached the police and lodged a complaint against the show. They also alleged that during the fashion show, the organisers had invited sadhus telling them that they were organising a ‘langar’ (community kitchen), and made them sit on the ramp.

They also alleged that the models tossed an idol of Lord Krishna in the air during the show.

In their complaint to the police, Varun Mehta, president of Shri Hindu Takht and members of Bajrang Dal, stated that the fashion show has hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

Moreover, the show was organised amid chanting of Vedic mantras and at the same time, non-vegetarian food and liquor was being served during the event.

One model had even imitated Lord Shiva with Trishul in her hand, they alleged.