A massive controversy has erupted after socialite Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as “Orry,” and seven others were accused of consuming alcohol near the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The incident has sparked outrage, especially among politicians and religious groups, as Katra is a holy town where alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited.
BJP MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Balwant Singh Mankotia have condemned the incident, demanding strict action against the accused. The Jammu and Kashmir Police took swift action by lodging an FIR and launching an investigation into how the liquor was obtained in a place where its sale is banned.
Details of the Incident
The controversy unfolded after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing Orry and his companions consuming alcohol after visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine. The video quickly gained traction, triggering massive backlash from religious groups and political leaders.
According to police reports, the accused were staying at a hotel in Katra, where they were allegedly found drinking in a cottage suite. Authorities believe this act not only violated the rules of the region but also deeply hurt the religious sentiments of devotees visiting the shrine.
Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, is a town where the consumption and sale of alcohol are strictly prohibited due to its religious significance. However, the incident has raised questions about how the accused managed to acquire alcohol despite the restrictions.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has sparked a political storm, with BJP leaders strongly condemning the act. Speaking to ANI, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa expressed his anger, calling the actions of the accused “condemnable.” He further criticized the security lapses that allowed such an incident to take place, stating:
“Their bags should have been checked… This act has deeply hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees. Strictest action must be taken, and the investigation must reveal why there was no frisking of bags and where the alcohol came from. They should not be allowed to leave Jammu until they face justice.”
Similarly, Balwant Singh Mankotia, another BJP leader, emphasized the sanctity of Katra, calling it a “holy town” where strict laws prohibit alcohol and non-vegetarian food. He called for the police to take the harshest action against Orry and his companions to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Social media has also erupted with reactions, with netizens calling for strict legal consequences against the accused. Many have pointed out that religious sites should be respected, and such violations should not be tolerated.
Legal Actions and Investigation
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have responded swiftly to the controversy by lodging an FIR against the accused. A police press release confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine how alcohol was procured in a town where its sale is prohibited.
The FIR names Orry along with seven others—Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasia Arzamaskina. According to the police, they were caught consuming alcohol inside the hotel premises, violating the regulations of the region.
SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh has assured that the case is being treated with the highest priority. He stated:
“Strict instructions have been passed to apprehend the defaulters, sending a clear message that there is zero tolerance for actions that hurt the religious sentiments of the public at sacred sites like Vaishno Devi.”
Additionally, a team of senior officers has been formed to track down and interrogate those involved. The authorities are also investigating whether hotel staff or any other individuals assisted in procuring the alcohol.
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