The authorities of Sri Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneshwar on 7 March lodged a complaint against Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon for allegedly shooting an advertisement in the ‘No Camera Zone’ inside the premises of the 11th century and ASI protected lord Shiva shrine. The incident come to the fore after a video surfaced in social media featuring Tandon offering beauty tips inside the temple premises and it is recorded by a person with a mobile phone. She had visited the temple on Sunday.
“The temple administration has filed a complaint against Raveena Tandon at Lingaraj Police Station for shooting an advertisement film in the no camera zone,” said Rajiv Lochan Parida, the management-in-charge of the temple administration. Admitting that such a complaint has been lodged, Bhubaneswar DCP Satybrat Bhoi said the police are examining the allegations.
Only servitors are allowed to carry mobile phones inside the temple, Parida said adding it is a clear case of violation of the security norms. The incident has also hurt sentiments of the devotees, he said. The Archaeological Survey of India has also launched an investigation into the matter.
“It was no agency and no advertising. It was all locals & members of the Mandir Trust and some media who were filming on their mobiles phones and also taking selfies. Wasn’t aware of phone ban, even local authorities didn’t alert us or object”.Raveena Tandon to ANI
“I understand temple authorities are distraught as everyone around me (organisers, security, pandits, locals) were using cellphones, clicking videos, taking selfies. I was not aware of phone ban, hence the issue,” added Raveena Tandon to ANI.
Tandon also took to her Twitter to point out how a local also carried a phone in her hand.
Things cleared up later as it emerged that Raveena was only interacting with the locals and not shooting for any advertisement. While others had mobile phones in their hands, Raveena wasn’t carrying one either.
The police commissioner of Bhubaneswar also confirmed that though they received a complaint against Raveena, no action can be taken as it’s not a cognisable offence.
As they say, all’s well that ends well.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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