Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao has written to the Union Home Secretary seeking verification of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s citizenship, nationality and immigration status following his participation in a political protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengaluru on October 8.
In a letter dated October 8, 2026, Rao, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who served as Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to examine whether Rathee’s participation in the protest and his address to the gathering were permissible under the visa and immigration regulations applicable to foreign nationals in India.
Rathee participated in the protest organised by the anti-SIR alliance, which brought together actor and activist Prakash Raj, political activists and other participants.
During the event, Rathee criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the conduct of the SIR exercise, alleging a lack of transparency and accountability.
Rao’s letter states that Rathee is understood to hold German citizenship, and argues that his participation in an organised political mobilisation concerning India’s electoral process warrants verification by competent authorities.
The former police commissioner clarified that his request was not intended to question the right of Indian citizens to assemble peacefully or express political opinions.
Instead, he sought clarification on whether a foreign national could participate in, address, or associate with a political protest concerning India’s constitutional and statutory institutions, depending on the conditions attached to the person’s visa or immigration status.
Rao has asked the ministry to verify Rathee’s present citizenship and nationality, the passport used to enter India, the category of visa or other permission granted to him, the declared purpose of his visit and the duration of his authorised stay.
He has also requested the ministry to ascertain whether Rathee holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or any other status that could affect his rights and restrictions whilst in India.
The letter further asks the authorities to examine whether Rathee had participated in similar political activities, demonstrations or public meetings during previous visits to India and, if so, whether those activities complied with the conditions governing his stay.
Rao has requested that the relevant immigration and entry-exit records be preserved and examined as part of an independent verification.
He has also sought appropriate action in accordance with the law if any violation is established under the Foreigners Act, 1946, immigration regulations, visa conditions, or applicable OCI rules.
