Katra hotel association slams Orry's alcohol use near shrine
What's the story
Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, famously known as Orry, has been booked by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for allegedly drinking alcohol at a hotel in Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
The March 15 incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents and politicians. Now the hotel body has also reacted to the same.
The police confirmed Awatramani and seven others were booked for "violating law of the land" and "hurting the sentiments of the people."
Local regulations
Katra Hotel and Restaurant Association president urged strict alcohol ban
According to ANI, Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Katra, stressed preserving the sacredness of Mata Vaishno Devi by strictly banning alcohol consumption in the area.
He said apart from alcohol, even food ingredients like garlic and onion are traditionally avoided.
"Even if it was consumed inside a hotel room, it goes against our values. As long as one is in Katra, such rules should be respected," he told ANI.
Legal action
FIR lodged against Awatramani and their companions for alcohol consumption
The controversy snowballed after an FIR was filed by Katra Police on March 15, making Awatramani and his friends—Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasia Arzamaskina—accused.
Reports said the group was found consuming alcohol at a hotel despite clear orders that alcohol and non-veg food are banned in the region.
A special team was formed under senior officers to ensure the culprits were punished.
Police statement
Police emphasized action against alcohol consumption at religious places
In an official statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Police stressed the seriousness of the matter and gave strict instructions to nab the defaulters.
Their actions "hurt the sentiments of the people," the police said.
SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh (JKPS) was tasked to ensure strict action against those who broke the legal norms and disrespected the sentiments of the people connected with the faith.