Police in Tirunelveli have arrested a biryani shop owner after a promotional banner featuring an image of Lord Vinayagar cooking chicken biryani triggered protests and allegations that it hurt religious sentiments ahead of Vinayagar Chaturthi, as reported in ETV Bharat.
The incident was reported at a non-vegetarian restaurant located on Thoothukudi Road near V.M. Chathiram in Tirunelveli city. The shop had put up a banner advertising a special offer on biryani to mark Vinayagar Chaturthi, which falls on September 14.
According to reports, the banner advertised an “Arabic-style Chicken 65 Biryani” for ₹99. The offer was announced as being valid on September 13 and 14. However, the advertisement drew objections after it featured an image depicting Lord Vinayagar cooking chicken biryani.
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Members and office-bearers of the Hindu Munnani objected to the banner and gathered outside the shop. They alleged that using the image of a Hindu deity to promote a non-vegetarian food item was offensive and could hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.
The protest led to a commotion in the area, following which Tirunelveli City Police reached the spot. The police subsequently removed the banner from the front of the shop.
A video of the incident showed a police officer climbing onto the reception counter to remove the large promotional banner.
The Hindu Munnani representatives reportedly urged the police to take action against the shop owner and register a case over the advertisement. Police assured them that appropriate action would be taken.
Following the protest, Tirunelveli City Police reached the spot and removed the banner. Police also assured the Hindu Munnani representatives that appropriate action would be taken against the shop owner.
Selvaraj of Narasinganallur subsequently lodged a complaint at the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital police station. In his complaint, he alleged that the banner was displayed with the intention of insulting a deity worshipped by Hindus and hurting religious sentiments, and sought action against the shop owner.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case and arrested the shop owner, 30-year-old Jayanth, son of Murugaiah and a resident of KTC Nagar.
The controversy came a day before Vinayagar Chaturthi, which is being celebrated across Tamil Nadu on September 14. The festival is marked by the installation and worship of Vinayagar idols, followed by various public and private celebrations across the state.
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