A French woman who was arrested in Rishikesh for making a video of herself naked on the sacred Lashman Jhula bridge apologised on Sunday, however, denied being completely naked. She justified the stunt stating that, it was done to raise awareness about sexual harassment.

“Maybe in France, these things are not considered objectionable. But Rishikesh is a holy place and the Lakshman Jhula is the place where (Hindu gods) Ram, his brother Lakshman and wife Sita crossed the Ganges,” R.K. Saklani, head of the police station where the woman was taken said. The police also said that the woman who sells bead necklaces online, was trying to promote her business with the video.

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The 27-year-old is identified as Marie-Helene, and will face charges under the country’s internet laws and can face a maximum sentence of three years in jail, if found guilty.

Stating her intentions, Marie said that her goal was to help oppressed Indian women to access education and to leave abusive marriages or situations, where there are no other options or help.

“I chose to partially uncover on Laxman Jhula because each time I crossed the bridge I felt I was being harassed… My Indian sisters and fellow female travelers surely have experienced the same,” she said.

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Police were alerted after the footage and photos were posted on social media. The woman has been released on bail and the case could take months to complete, the officer said. Her mobile phone has been seized as part of the investigation.

The Lakshman Jhula is a 136-metre suspension bridge on the Ganga river. Built in 1923, it is one of the main attractions for tourists and devotees in Rishikesh. The bridge was named after Hindu mythological character Lakshman, as is believed to stand where he is said to have crossed the river with the help of jute ropes.