New Delhi: Bollywood actor Imran Khan’s legal team has challenged allegations that he participated in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai, maintaining that he was merely passing through the area when police detained demonstrators on October 10.
The clarification comes after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) directed the actor, who holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to leave India by October 28. The notice has brought renewed attention to the rules governing the political activities and immigration status of foreign nationals residing in the country.
The controversy centres on a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at August Kranti Maidan, where protesters demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Mumbai Police detained hundreds of people who had gathered or attempted to assemble at the location.
Khan was among those detained during the police action. He later shared a photograph from inside a police van on social media, drawing attention to his presence at the protest site.
The issue escalated after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya questioned Khan’s alleged participation in a political demonstration, citing his foreign citizenship and OCI status. The subsequent notice directing the actor to leave India intensified the dispute.
Khan’s legal representatives have disputed the allegation that he actively participated in the demonstration. They have indicated that CCTV footage from the surrounding area could help establish his movements on the day of the incident.
According to the defence, Khan was travelling through Nana Chowk when police barricades obstructed his route and members of the media approached him. His lawyers have challenged the account of his presence presented in the complaint.
Before his detention, Khan reportedly explained that he was present as someone who lived in the city and wanted to understand restrictions on public movement and expression.
Police have registered a case against protesters, including Khan, over alleged unlawful assembly, as permission had not been granted for the demonstration.
Khan, known for films such as Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Delhi Belly, is a US citizen and an OCI cardholder. OCI status allows eligible foreign citizens certain privileges to travel to and reside in India, but it does not confer Indian citizenship or political rights such as voting in elections.
Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam defended the immigration authorities’ action, stating that foreign nationals must comply with the conditions governing their stay in India.
The precise grounds for the notice and the circumstances surrounding Khan’s alleged participation remain central to the dispute as his legal team challenges the claims against him.
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