YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has come under regulatory scrutiny following his appearance at a public demonstration against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengaluru. Bhaskar Rao, a retired IPS officer and former Bengaluru police commissioner, has addressed a formal representation to the Union Home Secretary seeking a comprehensive inquiry into the YouTuber's citizenship status, visa category, and adherence to immigration protocols while visiting India.
The Freedom Park Gathering and Remarks on the Election Commission
The controversy stems from an agitation staged at Bengaluru's Freedom Park on 8 October, coordinated by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alongside several civil society groups. The gathering had assembled to protest against the deletion of names during the ongoing revision of voter lists. Actor-activist Prakash Raj, who shared the stage, introduced the YouTuber as a surprise guest and called him up to speak. Addressing the crowd, Dhruv Rathee questioned the credibility of the exercise conducted by the Election Commission, alleging that the revision mechanism lacked transparency and accountability.
Questions Over Overseas Status and Immigration Norms
In his communication to the central government, the former police commissioner stated that the content creator is understood to hold German citizenship. On that premise, the communication called for an examination of his passport details, the exact visa classification granted to him, the stated objective of his journey to India, and the authorized timeframe of his stay. The communication further requested verification on whether Dhruv Rathee possesses an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or an equivalent legal standing, and whether existing framework permits someone with such status to participate in structured political agitations addressing domestic electoral procedures.
Broader Opposition Protests and Heightened Security in the Capital
This scrutiny unfolds against a backdrop of widespread opposition campaigns challenging the Election Commission across different parts of the country. Political opponents argue that large numbers of legitimate voters have had their names removed under the pretext of the intensive roll verification, raising questions about electoral fairness. Anticipating protests in the national capital, law enforcement authorities have heightened security measures across central Delhi, notably strengthening police deployment around Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street.
