NEW DELHI: BJP MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Balwant Singh Mankotia have vehemently condemned socialite Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, along with seven others, for allegedly consuming alcohol near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.
The incident has sparked a massive uproar, with politicians and the public demanding strict punishment for those involved.
Speaking to news agency ANI, MLA Vikram Randhawa expressed his anger, calling the actions of the accused "condemnable."
He further questioned the lack of security measures, 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."

MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia joined the condemnation, emphasising the sanctity of Katra, calling it a "holy town" where alcohol and meat consumption are strictly prohibited. "Katra has clear laws prohibiting alcohol and non-vegetarian food. Orry uploaded a video showing him consuming alcohol after visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine. The police must take the harshest action against him, sending a strong message to all pilgrims that they should visit the temple with purity and respect," Mankotia said.
The uproar intensified after Orhan Awatramani (Orry) and seven others were named in an FIR lodged on March 15 by Katra police.
They are accused of violating the sacred rules of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage by consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, despite being explicitly informed that such activities were forbidden in the area.
According to a press release from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the incident took place when Awatramani and his companions were staying at a hotel in Katra, where they were allegedly found consuming alcohol in their Cottage Suite.

The hotel had a clear policy against alcohol and non-vegetarian food, given the sacredness of the location, but the group ignored these rules.
The police's swift response to the matter highlighted the severity of the situation.
"Taking cognizance of the complaint regarding this issue, Katra police has lodged an FIR on March 15 against Orhan Awatramani (ORRY), Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasila Arzamaskina for consuming alcohol in the hotel premises," the release stated.
The police further noted that the team was constituted under the supervision of senior officers to track down the culprits.
SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh (JKPS) stressed that the case was being treated with utmost seriousness.
"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."
(With agency inputs)