Mumbai Police have directed actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28 following his participation in an anti-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) protest in Mumbai. The police issued the notice on Thursday after the actor joined a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Imran, the nephew of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, attended the protest at August Kranti Maidan on October 10. His partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan also joined the gathering. Police detained all three during the demonstration. The development has drawn attention because of questions surrounding Imran’s citizenship status. Authorities reportedly initiated action under immigration-related provisions after his participation in the protest. The notice has raised questions about the rules governing foreign nationals who participate in political demonstrations within India.
Mumbai Police Issues Notice to Imran Khan, Questions Over Citizenship Status
Reports indicate that authorities acted against Imran because he allegedly participated in the demonstration despite holding foreign citizenship. The actor reportedly holds a United States passport, although officials have not publicly confirmed whether he later acquired Indian citizenship. In a 2011 interview with India Today, Imran discussed his efforts to obtain an Indian passport. He explained that the official process was underway and expressed his desire to serve the country. The actor also acknowledged that he could not vote in Indian elections because he did not hold Indian citizenship at that time. However, he said he supported electoral awareness because he considered himself connected to India. His earlier remarks have resurfaced following the latest police action. The available information does not establish whether Imran eventually secured Indian citizenship. His current legal status and the specific grounds cited in the notice remain central to the developing situation.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya had earlier demanded immediate action against the actor. Somaiya claimed that Imran held American citizenship and urged Mumbai Police to verify his nationality. He also questioned whether a foreign national should participate in a political agitation in India. In a post on social media platform X, the BJP leader called for the actor’s deportation. His demand preceded the reported notice directing Imran to leave the country. The controversy has brought the actor’s citizenship status into the political spotlight. However, Somaiya’s allegations do not independently establish Imran’s current nationality or the complete legal basis for the police action. The authorities’ verification and the applicable immigration provisions will determine the matter. The incident has also sparked discussion about the distinction between participating in public demonstrations and engaging in political activities while holding foreign citizenship.
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Kirit Somaiya Demands Deportation as Actor Defends Anti-CEC Protest Participation
Imran defended his participation in the protest by describing himself as a resident of Mumbai rather than a representative of any political organisation. Speaking to the media, the actor said he had attended the gathering in his personal capacity. He questioned restrictions on freedom of movement and expressed concern about attempts to silence people’s voices. Imran also clarified that he did not represent any organisation and had come simply as someone who lived in the city. His comments presented the demonstration as an expression of personal concern rather than organised political activity. The protest focused on demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Several participants gathered at August Kranti Maidan to express their opposition and raise concerns about the electoral process. Police detained Imran and the other two participants during the demonstration. The subsequent notice has placed his participation and reported citizenship status at the centre of public debate.
Following his detention on October 10, Imran shared a photograph from inside a police van on social media. He captioned the image, “Apparently, I am going for a ride,” offering a brief reaction to the incident. The post attracted attention as news of his detention and the subsequent immigration-related action emerged. Mumbai Police have reportedly instructed him to leave India by October 28, although further details about the notice and any response from the actor remain unclear. The case involves questions about immigration rules, citizenship verification and the participation of foreign nationals in public demonstrations. Imran’s earlier statements about seeking an Indian passport have added another dimension to the controversy. However, those remarks date back to 2011 and do not confirm his present citizenship status. Further clarification from the actor or the authorities could establish the precise legal grounds behind the notice and explain what steps he may take next.