SIR protest: Former Bengaluru top cop and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao seeks verification of Dhruv Rathee’s citizenship, visa conditions

Published - October 09, 2026 09:53 pm IST - Bengaluru

Bhaskar Rao | Photo Credit: File Photo

Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao has written to the Union Home Secretary 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’s Freedom Park on Thursday.

In his letter dated October 8, Mr. Rao, who contested the Chamarajpet Assembly constituency representing the BJP in the 2023 polls, said the protest, attended by actor Prakash Raj, the Cockroach Janta Party’s Abhijeet Dipke and others, concerned the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the ongoing SIR exercise.

Mr. Rao said Mr. Rathee was understood to hold German citizenship and sought verification of his nationality, the passport used to enter India, the category of visa or other immigration permission under which he was staying in the country, the purpose and duration of his visit, and the conditions attached. He also sought verification of whether Mr. Rathee held an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or any other status governing his activities in India.

The former police commissioner requested the Ministry to verify whether Mr. Rathee’s participation in and address at the protest were permissible under the applicable immigration and visa regulations.

He also sought verification of whether Mr. Rathee had participated in similar political activities, demonstrations, and public meetings during earlier visits to India and whether such participation complied with the conditions governing his stay.

Mr. Rao urged the Ministry to take appropriate action in accordance with the law if any violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, immigration regulations, visa conditions, OCI regulations, or other applicable laws was established. He also requested that relevant immigration and entry and exit records be preserved.

Mr. Rao also stressed that the letter was not motivated by any disagreement with Mr. Rathee’s political opinions or criticism of the government or the Election Commission, but was intended to ensure compliance with the legal framework governing foreign nationals in India.

Published - October 09, 2026 09:53 pm IST

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