Ex-IPS officer asks Indian ministry to verify Dhruv Rathee's citizenship after Bengaluru protest
A retired IPS officer, Bhaskar Rao, wrote to India's home ministry seeking clarification of Dhruv Rathee's citizenship and visa status after the YouTuber joined a Bengaluru demonstration against the Election Commission.
A former Indian Police Service officer, Bhaskar Rao, addressed a formal request to the Union Home Ministry to examine the citizenship and visa credentials of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee after the latter took part in a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Rao highlighted Rathee's public condemnation of the Election Commission of India and his claim that the Special Intensive Revision exercise lacks transparency.
Citing one outlet that Rathee holds German citizenship, Rao asked the ministry to determine the passport used for entry, visa category, any OCI card, and the purpose and duration of his stay. He also sought confirmation of any earlier political engagements by Rathee in India and warned that any breach of the Foreigners Act, 1946, or related regulations should trigger appropriate legal action. Rao emphasized that his inquiry was not motivated by disagreement with Rathee's political opinions.
Why it matters
It raises questions about foreign nationals' rights to engage in Indian political protests and potential legal breaches.
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