Eiffel Tower shut after female employees were asked to leave during Hindu group’s visit

PARIS: The employees of the Eiffel Tower in Paris staged protests alleging that female employees were removed from certain areas during a visit by Hindu group. A dispute broke out after a group of around 100 people belonging to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) visited the tower last week. The group had arrived in France as part of celebrations related to the inauguration of a temple in Paris.

The employees condemned the decision to exclude female employees. They said all women employees had been instructed not to enter, pass through, or cross certain areas while the delegation was present. The employees said they were shocked by such directions.

SETE, the operator of the Paris landmark, said BAPS had requested that women be excluded during the group's visit and that the request should not have been accepted. The company said the conditions were inconsistent with SETE's values and that further action would be taken.

Meantime, BAPS apologized following the protest. The organization said it sincerely apologized to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by the incident. It also stated that it remains deeply committed to the universal values of mutual respect and service to others.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said an investigation would be conducted into the incident. The Eiffel Tower was closed yesterday following the protest. Authorities said it would reopen today.