Katra I March 17, 2025- Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, along with seven others, has been booked by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The incident, which violates strict local prohibitions, has sparked outrage due to the religious significance of the area.
The Katra Police Station registered an FIR (No. 72/25) on March 15 following a complaint from hotel management that guests, including Orry, were consuming alcohol despite explicit warnings that such activities are banned in the vicinity of the sacred pilgrimage site. Named alongside Orry in the FIR are Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasila Arzamaskina, a Russian national traveling with the group. The charges fall under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for violating the District Magistrate’s order and allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Katra, located in Reasi district, serves as the starting point for millions of devotees visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The region enforces a strict ban on alcohol and non-vegetarian food to preserve its spiritual sanctity. The incident came to light after a photo surfaced on social media on March 15, showing Orry and his companions partying in a hotel room with visible alcohol bottles, prompting swift action from authorities.
Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Paramvir Singh condemned the act, stating, “Such behavior at a divine place like Mata Vaishno Devi is unacceptable and hurts the sentiments of the common masses.” A special team, supervised by SP Katra, DySP Katra, and SHO Katra, has been formed to investigate and apprehend the accused. Notices will be issued to all involved, including Orry, to join the probe, with the SSP emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol or drug use at religious sites.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders, including Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, who called it “an unfortunate act by a Bollywood figure” and urged strict action to uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage site. Public sentiment on social media reflects similar outrage, with many labeling the behavior disrespectful to Hindu faith.
Orry, a well-known socialite and content creator, is a familiar face in Bollywood circles, often spotted with stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, and Khushi Kapoor. His recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, initially perceived as a pilgrimage, has now landed him in legal trouble, casting a shadow over his public image.
As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a reminder of the cultural and legal boundaries surrounding India’s religious landmarks. The accused face potential penalties, with authorities determined to set a precedent against such violations.