Actor Imran Khan Asked to Leave India by October 28 Over Participation in Anti-CEC Protest

India: Bollywood actor Imran Khan, nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, has been directed by Mumbai Police to leave India by October 28 following his participation in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, was among those detained by Mumbai Police during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan on October 10. Organised in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), the protest called for Kumar’s resignation amid concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Police said a Leave India Notice (LIN) had been issued to the actor under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, on the grounds that he had participated in a political agitation despite not being an Indian citizen.

“Imran Khan had participated in the agitation at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Following the protest, he was detained by the police,” the Mumbai Police said in a statement.

The action followed a complaint by BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that Khan’s participation in the demonstration violated the rules applicable to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders. Somaiya had also written to the Union Home Ministry seeking the issuance of a Look Out Circular against the actor.

Khan was accompanied by his partner, Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan at the protest. Both were also briefly detained before all three were released.

Before his detention, Khan told reporters that he had attended the demonstration in his individual capacity as a Mumbai resident and was not representing any organisation.

Mumbai Police said further administrative procedures were underway. Under the notice, Khan has been given until October 28 to leave India.