Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao has written to the Union Home Secretary, formally requesting an investigation into the citizenship and immigration status of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. The request follows Rathee’s participation in a protest held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on October 8. The event, described as a 'people's tribunal', was organised by civil society groups and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In his letter, which was shared on his social media account, Rao expressed concern over whether a foreign national is legally permitted to engage in political demonstrations concerning India's constitutional and statutory institutions. While acknowledging Rathee is believed to be a German citizen, Rao stated that the inquiry is intended to verify if his participation in the protest violated any visa conditions, immigration regulations, or provisions under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
Rao has requested that the Union Home Ministry clarify the specific passport used by Rathee to enter the country and the visa category under which he is currently residing. He further asked authorities to determine if the YouTuber’s activities required any prior government clearance or approval. The letter specifies that the request aims to ensure adherence to existing laws regarding the stay and conduct of foreign nationals in India, rather than being an objection to the political opinions voiced during the protest.
In addition to seeking a review of immigration documents and entry-exit records, the former police commissioner has urged the government to pursue appropriate legal action should any breach of law be identified. The demonstration in Bengaluru also saw the participation of actor-activist Prakash Raj and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who, along with other attendees, voiced criticism of the Election Commission of India regarding the ongoing electoral roll revision process.
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