A controversy over the video of social media influencer Kamiya Jani talking to bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader VK Pandian in the Jagannath Temple premises in Puri intensified on Thursday with the BJP questioning how the girl was granted access to the shrine despite her “anti-Hindu” food practice.

The BJP questioned, “How a promoter of beef consumption (referring to Jani) was granted access to the temple.”

BJP State general secretary Dr Jatin Mohanty told a Press meet here that the incident has hurt the religious sentiment of crores of Hindus. Further, the video in the temple premises has been taken and broadcasted on media which is not acceptable.

The BJP demanded that a case be registered against Pandian and Jani by the Srimandir Temple Administration under Section 295 A of IPC and both of them be arrested.

“As per the law of Srimandir, no beef-eater can enter the temple without ‘Prayaschita’ (penance). The incident has hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus and devotees of Lord Jagannath,” said Jatin Mohanty.

“As per the rituals of Srimandir, the temple should be sanctified after due consultation with the Puri Shankaracharya and all the priests. Otherwise, the BJP will move court seeking justice in this regard,” said Mohanty.

Responding to the controversy, Kamiya stated on her social media account that she has never taken beef.

“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,” wrote Kamiya on her Facebook account.

The Jagannath Temple office said, “Since Pandian and Kamiya had not taken Prasad in temple premises, there was no role of the temple administration in this matter.”

There were no reactions from Pandian.