Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: Weighing in on a viral video of popular social media influencer and YouTuber Kamiya Jani speaking to BJD leader VK Pandian at Puri's iconic Jagannath Temple, evoking an outcry from the BJP which accused her of promoting 'beef', Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said one should refrain from acts that hurts the sentiments of devotees.

The BJP's Odisha unit on Friday called for the arrest of the widely followed travel and food blogger, questioning how a leader of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) facilitated access of the 'beef promoter' to the revered shrine.

Speaking to media persons on Saturday, the Union minister, Pradhan, said, "Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath holds great significance for the followers of Sanatan Dharma and all fellow Odiyas. No one should do anything that hurts the sentiments of Lord Jagannath's devotees. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, no one should play with the sentiments of the Odiyas and the followers of our revered deity."

Adding to the chorus for the influencer's arrest, Jatin Mohanty, the general secretary of the BJP in Odisha, said she should be put behind bars under IPC Section 295 for 'hurting' the religious sentiments of Hindus.

"It has come to light that BJD leader VK Pandian along with YouTuber Kamiya Jani made a video on tasting of 'Mahaprasad' at Puri's Jagannath temple. The same Kamiya Jani had earlier posted a video consuming beef. Beef-eaters are strictly not allowed inside Jagannath temple," the BJP leader said.

"We demand that a case be registered against them under Section 295 of IPC for hurting religious sentiments. We will move court if she's not arrested," he warned.

Mohanty alleged further that her visit to the temple was filmed on a video camera, which is banned by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

Read Odisha News