Religious Sanctity in Focus: FIR Lodged Against Four for Consuming Alcohol at Katra Hotel
J&K Police Take Stern Action Against Violation of Pilgrimage Site Norms
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh March 17,2025 ||
Katra : In a major development underscoring the strict enforcement of religious and legal norms in Katra, the base camp of the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, local police have lodged an FIR (No. 72/25) against four individuals found consuming alcohol within a hotel premises. The accused, identified as Orhan Awatramani (ORRY), Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, and Ritick Singh, were staying at Hotel Katra Marriott Resort & Spa on March 15 when they were found violating the explicit prohibition on alcohol and non-vegetarian food at the religious site.
Despite clear instructions from the hotel management, the guests allegedly consumed alcohol inside the Cottage Suite, prompting hotel authorities to report the incident to the police. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly forbidden in Katra due to the spiritual significance of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage site, where millions of devotees visit each year seeking blessings.
Authorities Move Swiftly to Enforce Law and Religious Sanctity:
Taking serious cognizance of the matter, SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh (JKPS) ordered an immediate crackdown, ensuring a strong message was sent against such violations. A team comprising SP Katra, DySP Katra, and SHO Katra was swiftly formed to investigate the case and take action against those responsible for violating the law and disrespecting the religious sentiments of devotees.
SSP Reasi reaffirmed the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward any act that disrespects the religious ethos of Katra.
“There is no place for those who violate the law of the land, disrupt public order, or engage in activities such as alcohol or drug consumption in religious areas. Such acts will be dealt with an iron hand,” said SSP Reasi in a strong statement.
Widespread Public and Religious Outrage:
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation among devotees, religious groups, and local residents, who view it as a deliberate act of disrespect toward the spiritual values upheld by the holy town of Katra.
Many religious leaders and community representatives have called for stricter enforcement of local laws to prevent such incidents in the future.
Suggestions include:
• Enhanced surveillance at hotels and accommodations to ensure compliance with religious norms.
• Stringent penalties for violations to deter disrespect toward places of religious importance.
• Public awareness campaigns to educate visitors about the dos and don’ts while staying in Katra.
Legal Implications and Potential Punishments:
The accused may face strict legal consequences under provisions that prohibit alcohol consumption in designated religious zones. Given the sensitive nature of the case, authorities may impose hefty fines or other punitive measures to reinforce the seriousness of the violation.
Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for stricter law enforcement at religious pilgrimage sites across the country.
Heightened Security Measures Expected:
In response to the incident, law enforcement agencies are expected to step up security and monitoring measures at hotels, lodges, and public areas in Katra. Authorities have also hinted at the possibility of:
• Surprise inspections of hospitality establishments to ensure compliance with religious regulations.
• Greater scrutiny of visitor activities through CCTV surveillance and law enforcement patrols.
• Tighter regulations for hotel operators to enforce the alcohol and non-veg ban more rigorously.
A Strong Message Against Violations:
This case serves as a strong warning to visitors that Katra, as a religious town, has strict norms that must be respected. The police action has reinforced the administration’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity of Mata Vaishno Devi’s sacred space.
Authorities have assured that such incidents will not be tolerated in the future and that any individual found violating religious norms will face the full force of the law.
Office of LG, J&K
#chiefsecretaryjammuandkashmir
#divisionalcommissionerjammu
#IGPJammu
#DIGURRange
#sspkatra
Jammu and Kashmir
Omar Abdullah
Deputy CM Surinder choudhary
Ankur Sharma
Satish Sharma
#JammuandKashmirPolice
