Tattoo Parlour Owner Arrested in Bhubaneswar Over Lord Jagannath Tattoo Controversy

Bhubaneswar: The owner of a tattoo parlour in Bhubaneswar has been arrested after a tattoo of Lord Jagannath on the thigh of a foreign woman triggered widespread outrage across Odisha. The incident sparked massive protests from religious groups and devotees, demanding strict action.

Following a complaint by the Hindu Sena, the Commissionerate Police arrested Rocky Ranjan Bishoyi, the owner of ‘Rocky Tattooz’, under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religious beliefs.” The Saheed Nagar police are investigating the matter, and Bishoyi remains in custody.

The controversy erupted when images of the foreign woman displaying the tattoo at the parlour went viral, sparking outrage among devotees and religious organizations. Protesters claimed that placing a sacred image on the thigh was disrespectful and hurt the sentiments of millions of Lord Jagannath’s followers in Odisha and beyond.

Members of the Hindu Sena staged protests and filed a formal complaint at the Saheed Nagar police station, calling for strict action against the tattoo parlour owner. The incident also led to widespread condemnation on social media, with users criticizing the inappropriate placement of a revered religious symbol.

In response to the backlash, both the tattoo parlour owner and the foreign woman issued public apologies through social media videos.

Bishoyi stated that the woman had been advised to get the tattoo on her hand instead, but she insisted on having it placed on her thigh. “I sincerely apologize for this incident. I was not present at the shop when it happened,” he said, adding that he deeply regretted the controversy.

He further assured that the tattoo would either be covered up or removed after 25 days, and the woman had agreed to return to the shop for the procedure.

The foreign woman also expressed remorse, stating that she never intended to disrespect Lord Jagannath and that she is a devotee herself.

The incident first gained traction when the tattoo parlour’s Instagram account shared a photo of the woman displaying the tattoo. However, the image was later deleted following massive criticism.