Controversy Over YouTuber Kamiya Jani’s Jagannath Temple Visit, BJP Demands Arrest

Bhubaneswar: The entry of a YouTuber, Kamiya Jani, to Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri, has sparked off a controversy.

The Odisha BJP raised questions on how an alleged promoter of beef consumption was granted access to the revered Hindu shrine. Odisha BJP general secretary Jatin Mohanty demanded the YouTuber’s arrest under section 295 of the IPC.

Recently Jani has uploaded a video on her YouTube channel, in which she is seen interacting with bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian, about Puri, Jagannath temple and the ongoing heritage corridor project.

The opposition BJP objected to Jani’s entry to the temple and also alleged that a video camera was used on the temple premises during Jani’s visit. Cameras are banned inside Sri Jagannath temple.

“Earlier, Kamiya Jani posted a video eating beef. Beef-eaters are strictly not allowed inside Jagannath temple. We have urged that a case should be registered against them under 295 IPC for hurting the religious sentiments of a community. If they are not arrested, then we will approach the court,” Mohanty said.

Jani in her Instagram story came with her clarification and said, “As an Indian, my mission is to take Indian culture and heritage to the world. I have been visiting all the Jyotirlingas and char dhams of India and what a privilege it’s been. Woke up to this strange article in the newspaper questioning my visit to Jagannath temple. Not that anyone has reached out to me but just here to clarify that I don’t and have never eaten Beef. Jai Jagannath.”

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) also said on X, “The allegation made by a certain political party about a YouTube influencer taking a camera to the temple premises is completely baseless. There is no truth in this. If anyone has any evidence, if they present it, it will be investigated and necessary action will be taken.”