OYO ad sparks controversy over alleged comparison to god, draws criticism from religious groups
New Delhi: OYO Rooms, led by Ritesh Aggarwal, has come under fire after releasing an advertisement that some Hindutva groups have found offensive. The controversy stems from a Hindi newspaper ad featuring the phrase "Bhagwan Har Jagah Hai" (God is everywhere), followed by "Aur OYO Bhi" (And so is OYO), implying the brand’s widespread presence.
Religious groups have condemned the ad, claiming it equates the company's omnipresence with that of God, thereby offending religious sentiments. According to reports from Bharat Samachar, protests and potential legal action are being considered against the hospitality giant, valued at over USD 2 billion.
The controversy surfaces amidst OYO’s ongoing efforts to reposition itself as a family-friendly brand. Last year, the company launched a campaign targeting family audiences, moving away from its previous association with younger, unmarried couples.
Additionally, recent policy changes in certain regions have allowed partner hotels to decide whether to accommodate unmarried couples based on local customs and traditions.
As of now, OYO has not issued an official response to the backlash surrounding the advertisement.
Did we have you in the first half? 👀https://t.co/zQCFEKEXez@oyorooms @thetanmay pic.twitter.com/ypeZko4F8b
— Ritesh Agarwal (@riteshagar) June 9, 2024
A small platform whose business runs on the money of the people of India,
— Ramurti Holkar (@__Ramholkar) February 21, 2025
Today a small company is comparing itself to God. All concerned should openly oppose this stupid organization.#BoycottOYO pic.twitter.com/xPdTy3t52s
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23-year-old woman found dead at Delhi home; suicide suspected
New Delhi (PTI): A 23-year-old woman was found dead in her house in Delhi's Prem Nagar area, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide, an official said on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Anjali Singh, was found motionless in her room on Monday by her sister and her neighbour.
Police said her father, Vinod Kumar Singh (51), told them that he and his wife were away at work at the time of the incident, while their son and the other daughter were also not at home at the time of the incident.
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According to the family, the room in which Anjali was found was locked from the inside. The door was later forcibly opened by a neighbour and her sister with the help of a crowbar.
Her body was found lying on the bed inside the room, police said.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that Anjali had allegedly hanged herself using a piece of cloth tied to the ceiling fan.
It is suspected that the noose eventually might have loosened or torn off, resulting in her being found lying on the bed.
Family members informed the police that Anjali was a final-year student of a librarian science course from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). About a week ago, her final-year examination results were declared, and she had failed, following which she had been under depression, they said.
The family has not raised any allegation of foul play, police said, adding that no suicide note or external injury marks were found on the body during the initial inspection.
Inquest proceedings have been initiated in the matter as per the law. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death, and further investigation is underway, police added.
