Pramesh S Jain
Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner,Bhaskar Rao has written to the Union Home Secretary seeking verification of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s citizenship,visa and immigration status following his participation in a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengaluru on October 8.
In his representation dated October 8,Rao said Rathee, who he stated was understood to hold German citizenship,had participated in the protest alongside actor-activist Prakash Raj and others,and criticised the Election Commission of India over the SIR exercise.
Rao urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to verify Rathee’s nationality,the passport used to enter India,the category of visa or other permission under which he was staying in the country,and the conditions governing his visit.
He also sought verification of whether Rathee held an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or any other applicable status.
The former police commissioner requested the authorities to examine whether Rathee’s participation in and address at the political protest were permissible under the applicable visa and immigration rules,and whether any prior permission or clearance was required.
He also called for verification of Rathee’s participation in similar political activities during previous visits to India and sought examination of any possible violation of the Foreigners Act,1946, visa conditions,OCI regulations or other applicable laws.
Rao clarified that his representation was not motivated by disagreement with Rathee’s political views or criticism of the government or the Election Commission.
He said the request was intended to ensure compliance with the legal framework governing foreign nationals in India.
He urged the Ministry to initiate appropriate action in accordance with law and preserve and examine relevant immigration and entry-exit records for an independent verification of the matter.
