Reliance apologised in 2017, now Zari uses Modi’s security breach photo for brand promotion

Mangaluru

Zari Couture, a Mangaluru based textile brand used Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s security breach photo to wrongfully promote the company. The company posted photos of Priti Dasu Bhandari draped with a Zari saree greeting the PM. 

The company posted photos on its Instagram and Facebook on November 29. Bhandari met the PM at the airport on November 28. Modi visited Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt for an event. Bhandari is the spouse of Karnataka MLA, Kishor Kumar Puttur. 

On the posts, the company wrote “we are truly honoured that Zari was part of such a meaningful and proud moment as you welcomed the Honourable Prime Minister. You carried the saree with so much grace. Thank you for choosing Zari for a day that will always be remembered.” 

Zari is a Mangaluru based brand founded in the year 2011. It appears the company gave the saree to Bhandati to clad on the occasion in exchange for promotion.  

It may be recalled that in 2017 Reliance apologised to PM Modi for using his photograph for promoting Jio. Paytm also did the same for the misuse of photos.

What is security breach 

Kishor Kumar Puttur lied to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and secured entry to his wife to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

MLC Kumar while providing information about his wife (Bhandari) gave in writing that his spouse is District Vice President, Mahila Morcha, BJP. However, according to Kumar’s affidavit submitted in 2024 during MLC polls, she is Vice President of G M Amusement and Leisure Park. She has movable assets worth ₹ 46.85 lakh.  Kumar hails from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district. Bhandari holds no positions in the BJP and is just an ordinary member of the party. 

After blrpost.com reported about the security lapse, Internal Security Division (ISD) notified about the breach to Director-General and Inspector General of Police.