In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR against social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, commonly known as Orry, and seven others.
The charges stem from allegations of consuming alcohol within Katra town, which serves as the base for pilgrims heading to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine located in the Trikuta Hills.
The case was lodged under Section 223 of the BNS, which pertains to disobedience of an order by a public servant, at the Katra police station. In light of the town's proximity to the temple, the Union Territory administration maintains a strict prohibition on the consumption and sale of alcohol and non-vegetarian products in the area.
According to the police, the accused allegedly indulged in liquor consumption on a hotel premises despite explicit instructions prohibiting such activities. Reasi SSP Paramvir Singh has reinforced a zero-tolerance stance on drug and alcohol use in religious locales and has mandated the apprehension of those involved to set a deterrent precedent.
The incident gained attention after photos circulated on social media, stirring discontent among local residents. However, by the time authorities moved to act, the accused had reportedly vacated the hotel and departed from Katra, sources indicate.
Alongside Awatramani, those named in the FIR include Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasia Arzamaskina. A special team has been formed to locate and bring the individuals to account, police officials stated.