Bhagwan Ganesh shown preparing chicken biryani in Rs 99 Ad; Tamil Nadu shopkeeper arrested after protest
A biryani shop in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, came under controversy after a promotional banner featuring Bhagwan Ganesh preparing chicken biryani was displayed outside the outlet ahead of Vinayagar Chaturthi. Following a complaint stating that the advertisement hurt Hindu religious sentiments, police removed the banner and arrested the shop owner.
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A promotional banner outside a biryani shop near the V.M. Chathiram Bridge area in Tirunelveli triggered a controversy ahead of Vinayagar Chaturthi. The banner advertised an offer of Arabic-style Chicken 65 Biryani for Rs 99 and featured a depiction of Bhagwan Ganesh preparing chicken biryani.
The advertisement was reportedly meant to promote a two-day special offer on September 13 and 14. However, the depiction of Bhagwan Ganesh in connection with chicken biryani led to objections from local residents and Hindu activists.
A controversy has erupted over a picture on the banner showing Bhagwan Ganesh eating biryani. (Image:Aaj Tak)
Complaint alleges hurt to Hindu religious sentiments
According to police, a resident of Narsinghanallur, identified as Selvaraj, 42, approached the authorities and complained about the banner. He alleged that showing Bhagwan Ganesh preparing chicken biryani was disrespectful and had hurt Hindu religious sentiments.
Following the complaint, police began examining the banner and the circumstances in which it was designed and displayed.
Members and supporters of the Hindu Munnani also reportedly reached the shop and demanded that the advertisement be removed. They argued that using the murti of Bhagwan Ganesh in such an advertisement was offensive to Hindu beliefs.
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Police remove banner, arrest shop owner
Following the objections, Tirunelveli city police reached the spot and removed the promotional banner from outside the shop. Visuals from the incident showed a policeman removing the large banner from the premises.
Police subsequently arrested the shop owner, identified as Jayant, 30, on Sunday in connection with the complaint.
The police are now investigating who designed and printed the banner, when it was put up and the circumstances behind the use of Bhagwan Ganesh's image in the advertisement.
Police probe intent behind advertisement
Police are also examining the purpose behind the depiction and other aspects of the complaint before deciding on further action.
The incident has triggered a debate on social media, with some users supporting the police action and arguing that religious symbols should not be used in advertisements in a manner that could offend devotees. Others have questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
The controversy comes ahead of Vinayagar Chaturthi, which is widely celebrated across Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Police have said that further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.