Mumbai Police has reportedly ordered actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28, 2026, following his participation in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Khan, who is a US citizen and holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was among several individuals gathered at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan.
Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The protest focused on alleged irregularities within the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, a process that has drawn significant scrutiny. Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, attended the demonstration alongside his partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan. All three were briefly detained for questioning by Mumbai Police.
Immigration Act Invoked
Sources indicate that the directive for Khan to leave the country was issued under relevant provisions of the Immigration Act. This action stems from his alleged involvement in a public protest in India despite not being an Indian citizen. OCI cardholders are typically permitted to live and work in India but may face restrictions on political activities.
BJP Leader Alleges Conspiracy
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had previously questioned Imran Khan's presence at the protest, suggesting it was an attempt to "instigate that SIR is an anti-Muslim narrative." Somaiya demanded that Khan be summoned to produce his citizenship credentials and alleged a coordinated effort to create anarchy and spread confusion through false claims. He also raised concerns about the funding of such protests, citing the participation of other public figures like Javed Akhtar and Naseeruddin Shah.
Somaiya highlighted that in his Malabar Hill assembly constituency, despite a low Muslim population, 40 percent of total voters' names were reportedly deleted under the SIR, fueling his claims of a "well-planned conspiracy."