Dhruv Rathee released after detention in Gurugram

Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao has petitioned the Union Home Ministry to investigate YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s visa status following his attendance at an anti-SIR protest in the city on October 8. Rao, who formerly served as Bengaluru Police Commissioner, submitted a letter to the Union Home Secretary through his X account, raising concerns over Rathee’s citizenship, immigration status, and adherence to Indian visa regulations.

In his letter, Rao highlighted that Rathee, who allegedly holds German citizenship, joined actor-activist Prakash Raj and other individuals in condemning the Election Commission of India over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He publicly shared the letter on his X handle and detailed the specific aspects he deemed necessary for the Ministry to examine.

Rao requested the Ministry to verify Rathee’s current nationality, the passport he used to enter India, the visa category under which he is staying, and the purpose of his visit. Additionally, he urged the Ministry to assess whether Rathee’s participation in the protest violated any immigration or visa laws, and if prior official approval was necessary for such gatherings. Rao also urged officials to review immigration and entry-exit records to conduct a thorough, independent examination.

Rao clarified that his request was not motivated by political opposition to the government or the Election Commission but rather by concern that foreign nationals abide by the legal statutes governing their presence and behavior in India. He emphasized that his aim was to ensure compliance with the Foreigners Act, 1946, visa regulations, immigration laws, OCI rules, and other relevant statutory provisions.