Paris authorities have ordered an investigation after Eiffel Tower employees alleged that women staff were asked to leave their workstations during a private visit by a BAPS-linked Hindu delegation. The incident triggered a staff protest, political criticism and an apology from BAPS, which said it regretted any inconvenience caused.

Paris city authorities have ordered an investigation after female employees at the Eiffel Tower were allegedly asked to step out of sight during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation, triggering a staff protest and criticism from French politicians.

Employees held a meeting over the incident on Monday, leading to the temporary closure of the landmark. Signs at the base of the Eiffel Tower said its opening had been delayed for "operational reasons", Reuters reports.

Women asked to leave workstations

The incident allegedly occurred on Saturday when a delegation of about 100 people linked to the Hindu group Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) made a private visit to the Eiffel Tower.