The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) lodged a police complaint against an Instagram influencer who sparked controversy by performing yoga at Sri Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar. The incident, which occurred on June 21, the International Day of Yoga, has deeply offended the Sikh community.

SGPC took swift action against three employees for negligence in allowing the woman to conduct yoga exercises on the 'Parikrama,' a sacred marble walkway where devotees traditionally perform circumambulation and prayers.

SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed dismay over the incident, emphasizing that such actions disregard the sanctity of the revered site, hurting Sikh sentiments. He underscored the universal respect the Golden Temple commands and urged all visitors, irrespective of religion or nationality, to maintain reverence during their visits.

An inquiry committee formed by SGPC interrogated the employees responsible for the lapse in security. Meanwhile, images of the influencer, Archana Makwana, performing yoga inside the premises went viral on social media, prompting public outcry.

In response to the uproar, Archana Makwana issued a public apology, expressing regret for her actions. The General Manager of the Golden Temple, Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, confirmed that CCTV footage verified Makwana's unauthorized activities on the 'Parikrama,' underscoring her failure to pay respects during her visit.

The SGPC, regarded as the religious parliament of the Sikh community, maintains stringent protocols to uphold the sanctity of Sri Harmandir Sahib, urging visitors to uphold the sanctity of the revered site.