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Last Updated: March 22, 2025, 09:30 IST
Orhan Awatramani, known as Orry, and seven others were charged for alcohol consumption in Katra, Jammu, breaching local laws.
Actor Samir Soni has publicly criticized Orry.
Orhan Awatramani, widely recognized as Orry, has found himself embroiled in a legal controversy alongside seven associates for allegedly contravening local laws in Katra, Jammu. They were charged with drinking alcohol at a hotel, a clear violation in a region known for its strict prohibition of alcohol. Katra, a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi, imposes this ban to preserve its sacred atmosphere. In light of these events, actor Samir Soni has condemned Orry’s behavior, describing it as both irresponsible and disrespectful.
In comments to Republic TV, Samir Soni stated, “While it may seem trivial, the implications run deep. What they did is illegal—drinking in a location where such actions are prohibited.” He emphasized the insensitivity of their actions, noting, “To drink near Vaishno Devi, where devotees often undertake arduous journeys to reach the temple, shows a lack of consideration. To then flaunt this behavior while calling oneself an influencer is quite troubling.”
Soni expressed concern regarding the potential impact of such actions on the youth, including his own daughter, Ahana Soni, who is just 12 years old. “We, as a generation, have a responsibility to challenge and discourage such behavior, particularly when it involves the use of vulgar language or inappropriate humor,” he mentioned.
The incident, which occurred on March 15, led to the registration of a first information report (FIR No. 72/25) at the Katra Police Station. Reports indicate that all members of the group—Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasila Arzamaskina—were cited for alcohol consumption, disregarding previous warnings regarding the area’s stringent regulations against such actions.
According to a statement from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, “In response to a complaint about guests at a Katra hotel consuming alcohol, the Katra police filed an FIR on March 15 against Orry and the other individuals listed, for violating the prohibitions in place regarding alcohol and non-vegetarian food, which are in effect at this esteemed pilgrimage site.”
The Cottage Suite area in Katra, where the drinking reportedly took place, is strictly regulated to prohibit both non-vegetarian meals and alcohol. Rakesh Wazir, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Katra, emphasized the need for visitors to honor the town’s religious significance.
“As it stands, alcohol is banned here. We exclude garlic and onion from our meals to ensure the sanctity of the Mata Vaishno Devi experience,” Rakesh remarked to ANI. He further acknowledged the incident, saying that while it occurred inside a hotel room, it remains essential for visitors to adhere to these cultural norms while in Katra.
“Many have questioned why the hotel staff did not notice the alcohol consumption. I have since reached out to the hotel management,” he stated.
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