New Delhi, Oct 9 (KNS): Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao has written to the Union Home Ministry seeking verification of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s citizenship, immigration status and compliance with visa conditions following his participation in a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengaluru on October 8.

According to a report by India Today, Rao, in a letter addressed to the Union Home Secretary, sought an examination of whether Rathee, who is understood to hold German citizenship, was legally permitted to participate in or address a political demonstration in India under the conditions governing his stay.

Rathee had participated in a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru alongside actor-activist Prakash Raj and others, where demonstrators criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the ongoing SIR exercise.

Rao, who unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections from Chamarajpet on a BJP ticket, shared his representation on social media platform X, calling for an independent verification of Rathee’s nationality and immigration documents.

"The limited and specific issue requiring examination is whether a foreign national, while present in India on the basis of a particular visa, immigration permission or other status, is legally entitled to participate in, address or otherwise associate himself with an organised political protest concerning the functioning of India's constitutional and statutory institutions," Rao wrote, as quoted by India Today.

The former police commissioner requested the ministry to verify Rathee’s present citizenship and nationality, the passport used for entering India, the category of visa or immigration permission granted to him and the declared purpose of his visit.

He also sought scrutiny of the conditions attached to Rathee’s stay and whether his participation in the demonstration was permissible under the applicable immigration framework.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to the report, Rao asked the authorities to determine whether Rathee required any prior permission or clearance to participate in or address the protest.

The BJP leader further urged the ministry to preserve and examine relevant immigration records, including entry and exit details, to facilitate an independent assessment of the matter.

He sought appropriate legal action if any violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, visa conditions, immigration regulations, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) rules or other applicable laws was established.

Rao, however, maintained that his representation was not motivated by disagreement with Rathee’s political views or his criticism of the government and the Election Commission.

He said the purpose of his request was to ensure compliance with the legal framework governing the presence and activities of foreign nationals in India.

India Today reported that Rathee participated in a demonstration described as a "people’s tribunal" at Freedom Park, organised by civil society groups and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

The event was also attended by actor Prakash Raj and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, among others.

The protest was held against the SIR exercise, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties and several civil society groups over concerns relating to electoral roll revisions.

Rao’s letter seeks verification of Rathee’s legal status and the conditions governing his stay in India, with any further action dependent on whether the authorities establish a violation of applicable laws.

There was no indication in the report that the authorities had established any violation by Rathee. (KNS)