Dhruv Rathee’s visa status, citizenship to be investigated? Why Ex-Bengaluru Police Chief Bhaskar Rao Seeks Verification | Today’s news
Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao has approached the Union Home Ministry to verify YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s citizenship, immigration status and visa compliance following his participation in the protest against SIR in Bengaluru on 8 October.
On Thursday, Rathee took part in a protest called ‘People’s Tribunal’ at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Organized by civil society groups and the CJP, the demonstration opposed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Actor Prakash Raj and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke were also present at the protest.
In a communication to the Union Home Minister, Rao alleged that Rathee, who is believed to be a German national, had joined actor-activist Prakash Raj and other participants in the demonstration. The protesters also criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its special intensive review (SIR) of electoral rolls.
What did Rao say?
Rao, who unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections as a BJP candidate from Chamarajpet, posted the letter on his X account.
“The limited and specific issue requiring examination is whether a foreign national, if present in India under a particular visa, immigration permit or other status, is legally entitled to participate in, address or otherwise associate with organized political protest concerning the functioning of India’s constitutional and statutory institutions,” Rao said in the letter.
Rao called on the ministry to ascertain Rathee’s current citizenship and nationality, identify the passport he used to enter India and determine the category of visa or other authorization under which he is in the country. He also requested verification of the stated purpose of Rathee’s visit and the conditions of his stay.
He further asked the authorities to assess whether Rathee was legally permitted to attend and address the protest under existing visa and immigration rules, and whether such attendance required any prior approval or permission.
Rao said if the investigation finds any violation of the Aliens Act, 1946, visa conditions, immigration regulations, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Rules or other relevant laws, the authorities should take appropriate legal action.
He emphasized that his complaint was not driven by any opposition to Rathee’s political views or his criticism of the government or the Electoral Commission. He said the purpose of the representation is to ensure that foreign nationals comply with the laws governing their stay and activities in India.
Rao further requested that the relevant immigration documents and entry and exit records be preserved and audited by the authorities so that the matter can be independently assessed.
