Lakshman jhula, the Rishikesh Suspension Bridge, was made famous by The Beatles in the 1960s
New Delhi:
French woman arrested for allegedly making video of herself without clothes on Rishikesh Lakshman jhula – a nearly century-old suspended footbridge over the Ganga River, apologized on Sunday, but denied being completely naked and said he performed the coup to draw attention to sexual harassment.
Police said on Saturday that the 27-year-old woman – identified as Marie-Hélène – had faced charges under internet laws after posting pictures of herself on the Lakshman jhula, made famous by the Beatles in the 1960s and which remains a draw for backpackers and yoga practitioners.
“She told us that she was selling pearl necklaces online and that the shoot was to promote her business,” said RK Saklani, the head of the local police station.
But in a statement to AFP, Marie-Hélène said no one was there when she carried out the coup, and that she did it to raise awareness of sexual harassment in the country.
“I chose to partially discover Lakshman jhula because every time I crossed the bridge, I felt harassed… My Indian sisters and my traveling companions surely experienced the same thing, ”she writes.
“The main goal was to help oppressed women in the country to access education and to leave marriages or abusive situations, where there are no other options or help.
Police said Marie-Hélène was arrested Thursday and released on bail. His cell phone was seized as part of the investigation.
“The first thing I want to say is that I am sorry that my actions have harmed the local community,” added Marie-Hélène. “I lacked awareness of cultural specificities.”
Police said they were alerted after the images were posted on social media.
