Social Media Influencer Orry and Seven Others Booked for Consuming Alcohol in Katra Hotel:

Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, and seven others were booked for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The incident, which took place on March 15, has sparked strong backlash from political leaders and religious groups.

Public Outrage and Political Response

The consumption of alcohol in Katra, where it is strictly prohibited, has led to widespread resentment. Legislators from the BJP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have demanded strict action against those involved.

Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Katra, emphasized that visitors must respect the sanctity of the shrine and refrain from consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food in the area.

“Alcohol is banned in Katra. Even garlic and onion are not used in food to maintain the sanctity of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Regardless of where you are consuming it, visitors must respect the traditions,” Wazir told ANI.

Police Action and Legal Proceedings

Following a complaint lodged on March 15, the Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed that an FIR had been registered against:

Orhan Awatramani (Orry)
Darshan Singh
Parth Raina
Ritick Singh
Rashi Dutta
Rakshita Bhogal
Shagun Kohli
Anastasila Arzamaskina

A police officer stated that the group had been explicitly warned about the alcohol ban due to the proximity to the shrine, yet they proceeded to consume liquor inside the hotel.

Senior Superintendent of Police Paramvir Singh has ordered strict action to ensure such incidents do not recur.

“This incident is a violation of religious sanctity. Law enforcement will take appropriate steps to prevent any such acts that hurt public sentiments,” said SSP Paramvir Singh.

Political Leaders Demand Stronger Security Measures

Political leaders across party lines condemned the incident.

Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition, called for strict action against the accused.
BJP MLAs, including Baldev Sharma, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Vikram Randhawa, and Devinder Kumar Manyal, reiterated that alcohol and non-vegetarian food are prohibited in Katra.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi MLA Baldev Sharma demanded enhanced security measures to prevent liquor from entering the holy town.

“This is a condemnable act and will not be tolerated. The police must ensure such violations do not happen again,” said Baldev Sharma.

PDP Slams Disrespect Towards Holy Sites

PDP legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Para criticized the incident, stating that Vaishno Devi is a place of pilgrimage, not a tourist attraction.

PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan expressed his anger on social media, demanding action against both the accused and the hotel.

“Mata Vaishno Devi is not a party destination. This Bollywood joker Orry and his friends drinking there is a direct insult to Hindu faith. I urge the Jammu and Kashmir government and police to take action,” Bhan posted on Facebook.