Bengaluru — 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 an anti-SIR protest in Bengaluru on October 8.
In his letter to the Union Home Secretary, Rao noted that Rathee, who is understood to hold German citizenship, took part in a demonstration at Freedom Park alongside actor-activist Prakash Raj and other public figures. The gathering of protesters featured criticisms directed at the Election Commission of India regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Rao, who previously contested the Karnataka Assembly elections on a BJP ticket, shared his official letter on social media. He urged federal authorities to examine whether a foreign national residing in India on a specific visa or immigration permission possesses the legal right to participate in, address, or otherwise align with organized political protests concerning the nation's constitutional and statutory bodies.
The formal request asks the ministry to verify Rathee's current nationality and citizenship, the specific passport utilized to enter the country, the category of visa or legal permission governing his stay, the stated purpose of his travel, and any restrictions tied to his presence in India.
Furthermore, the BJP leader called for a determination on whether Rathee's involvement and public remarks at the protest breach applicable immigration guidelines and visa stipulations, and whether prior authorization should have been sought. He urged officials to secure and review entry-exit documentation to conduct an independent review of the situation, requesting appropriate legal enforcement under the Foreigners Act or other relevant rules if any breaches are identified.
Clarifying the intent behind his submission, Rao emphasized that his appeal stems from a desire to uphold regulatory compliance rather than a disagreement with Rathee's political commentary or criticisms directed at state authorities and election officials.
Rathee's appearance occurred during an event structured as a people’s tribunal at Freedom Park to voice opposition against the electoral roll revision. The gathering was coordinated by civil society organizations alongside various public personalities, prompting the call for an official administrative review of the YouTuber's legal status during his time in the country.