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This is an archive article published on March 4, 2025
Lord Jagannath tattoo on foreigner’s thigh sparks row in Odisha; artist, shop owner arrested
Based on the complaint of Jagannath devotees with the Sahid Nagar police station, a complaint was registered under Section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings if any class by insulting its religion) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The photo of the tattoo, which the foreigner had inked at a parlour in Bhubaneswar, went viral on social media, triggering protests by workers of Hindu outfits and Jagannath devotees. (Representational image)
A tattoo artist and the owner of the parlour were arrested Monday after a viral photo of a Lord Jagannath on the thigh of a foreign woman sparked outrage in the state
Based on the complaint of Jagannath devotees with the Sahid Nagar police station, a complaint was registered under Section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings if any class by insulting its religion) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The accused are identified as Rockey Ranjan Bisoi and tattoo artist Aswini Kumar Pradhan, said police sources.
During the course of investigation, Rocky confessed that one of his artists, identified as Ashwini Kumar Pradhan, inked the tattoo on the thigh of the woman at her request, a police officer said.
The photo of the tattoo, which the foreigner had inked at a parlour in Bhubaneswar, went viral on social media, triggering protests by workers of Hindu outfits and Jagannath devotees. Police sources said the woman works for a non-governmental organisation and an Italy national though they are verifying the details.
Following outrage, the woman and owner of the tattoo parlour apologised on social media. In a video message with folded hands, the woman said, “I didn’t want to be disrespectful. I’m a true devotee of Lord Jagannath. I go to the temple every day. I made a mistake and for this, I’m very sorry. I just asked the artist to ink the tattoo in a hidden place. I didn’t want to create any situation. I’m very sorry for this. As soon as the tattoo area heals, I will have it removed. Forgive me for my mistake.”
The tattoo parlour owner, meanwhile, said that the woman had got the tattoo inked on the high even after he advised her against it.
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