How a former BAPS temple worker in the US got his freedom, but still seeks justice

Live updates

1. 29d ago

   Updates on Former Temple Worker Freedom and BAPS Inquiries

   A former temple worker secured freedom following previous legal actions, though the individual still seeks justice amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Hindu group BAPS. Paris authorities plan an investigation into the Eiffel Tower operator after it admitted wrongly accepting a request to limit interactions with women staff during a private BAPS visit, which led the head of the Eiffel Tower to step down following a major staff strike. Meanwhile, the United States Justice Department ended its investigation into a BAPS temple project, and a dozen artisans withdrew from a forced labor lawsuit against BAPS filed in May 2021.

   Why it matters

   The recent developments follow a series of controversies involving the Hindu group BAPS across international locations. Scrutiny intensified after a staff strike at the Eiffel Tower over the removal of female employees during a private visit. Concurrently, legal challenges in the United States involving a temple project and forced labor allegations have shifted as the Department_of_Justice closed its investigation and several artisans withdrew from the May 2021 lawsuit.

   What is confirmed

   • The head of the Eiffel Tower is stepping down following a major staff strike over the removal of female employees during a private visit by members of the Hindu group BAPS.
   • The operator admitted it wrongly accepted a request to limit interactions with women staff.
   • Paris authorities plan an investigation into the incident.
   • The United States Justice Department ended an investigation into a BAPS temple project.
   • A dozen artisans withdrew from a forced labor lawsuit against BAPS that was filed in May 2021.

   What to watch next

   • The official launch and findings of the Paris authorities investigation into the Eiffel Tower incident
   • Further legal or personal updates regarding the former BAPS temple worker still seeking justice
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.formermerchandise.com — FORMER MERCHANDISE // Rider Owned & Operated
   2. dictionary.cambridge.org — FORMER | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   3. www.vocabulary.com — Former - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
   4. dictionary.cambridge.org — FORMER | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
   5. www.dictionary.com — FORMER Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
   6. en.wiktionary.org — former - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
   7. www.thesaurus.com — FORMER Synonyms & Antonyms - 47 words | Thesaurus.com
   confidence 100%
2. 31d ago

   Eiffel Tower Chief Resigns Over BAPS Visit Controversy

   The head of the Eiffel Tower is stepping down following a major staff strike over the removal of female employees during a private visit by members of the Hindu group BAPS. The operator admitted it wrongly accepted a request to limit interactions with women staff. Meanwhile, Paris authorities plan an investigation into the incident. Separately, the United States Justice Department ended an investigation into a BAPS temple project, and a dozen artisans withdrew from a forced labor lawsuit against BAPS that was filed in May 2021.

   Why it matters

   The controversy highlights tensions over religious accommodations at major public landmarks, leading to significant disruption in Paris and the departure of top tower leadership. Legal challenges involving BAPS span multiple jurisdictions, including a forced labor lawsuit in the United States that recently saw a dozen artisans withdraw from the case, alongside the closure of a separate federal investigation. These developments unfold as the organization faces increased scrutiny regarding both its temple projects and recent delegation visits abroad.

   What is confirmed

   • The head of the Eiffel Tower is set to step down following a controversy where female workers were removed during a visit by members of the Hindu sect BAPS.
   • Paris authorities plan an investigation into the incident after employees walked out over the exclusion of women staff.
   • BAPS has issued an apology regarding the row, and the tower operator admitted it accepted a request to limit interactions with women.
   • A lawsuit was filed in the United States in May 2021 alleging forced labor for a BAPS temple construction, and a dozen artisans have since withdrawn from the case.
   • The U.S. Justice Department ended its investigation into the BAPS temple project.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the Paris authorities' investigation into the Eiffel Tower staff incident
   • Further legal proceedings or settlements regarding the remaining plaintiffs in the BAPS forced labor lawsuit in the United States
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. indiawest.com — U.S. Justice Department Ends Investigation Into BAPS Temple ...
   2. indiawest.com — A Dozen Artisans Withdraw From Case Against BAPS
   3. economictimes.indiatimes.com — baps hindu mandir: Latest News & Videos, Photos about baps ...
   4. en.wikipedia.org — Jonestown - Wikipedia
   5. www.mangaloretoday.com — Swami Prakashanand Sentenced To 14 Years Jail In US
   6. www.theguardian.com — ‘I felt shame’: former BA worker locked in legal battle after ...
   7. www.france24.com — Eiffel Tower chief to step down over removal of women staff ...
   confidence 100%
3. 49d ago

   Eiffel Tower Reopens After Strike Over Removal of Female Staff

   The Eiffel Tower is reopening following a staff strike sparked by the removal or sidelining of female employees during a visit by the Hindu group BAPS. French authorities have launched an investigation into the incident after workers protested the decision to hide or replace women with men to accommodate the religious delegation. BAPS has issued an apology regarding the row. The closure caused significant disruption in Paris as employees fought against what they described as the exclusion of women staff for religious reasons.

   Why it matters

   The dispute centers on the treatment of female workers during a visit by BAPS, an Indian organization. The resulting strike shut down the landmark, highlighting tensions between religious accommodations and labor rights in France.

   What is confirmed

   • Eiffel Tower workers went on strike after female staff were sidelined or removed for a visit by a Hindu group.
   • The Eiffel Tower was shut down due to the staff strike.
   • French authorities have opened an investigation into the removal of female staff.
   • The Hindu group BAPS apologized for the controversy.
   • The Eiffel Tower is set to reopen following the protests.

   What to watch next

   • Findings from the French government investigation into management decisions
   • Further statements from BAPS regarding the specific demands made during the visit
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. France 24 — Eiffel Tower workers go on strike after female staff 'sidelined' for Hindu group's visit
   2. BBC — Eiffel Tower shut by staff strike over women being moved for religious visit
   3. CNN — Eiffel Tower closed due to strike after female staff allegedly removed for religious group
   4. dw.com — India news: Hindu group apologizes over Eiffel Tower row
   5. Al Jazeera — Eiffel Tower to reopen after protest over removing women staff
   6. Sky News — Investigation launched after female Eiffel Tower staff 'hidden from Hindu delegation'
   7. The New York Times — Eiffel Tower Workers Strike, Saying Women Were Excluded From Hindu Group’s Visit
   8. CBS News — France opens investigation after female Eiffel Tower staff removed for Hindu group's visit
   9. The Washington Post — Paris in uproar after Eiffel Tower restricts female staff for Hindu group’s visit
   10. The Guardian — Eiffel Tower management under fire after decision to hide female staff
   11. Al Jazeera — What is BAPS, the Hindu group whose demands led to Eiffel Tower closure?
   12. The Daily Beast — Passenger Busted After Shocking Secret Found in His Luggage
   confidence 95%