Actor Imran Khan ordered to exit India by October 28 following Mumbai protest

Mumbai Police have directed film actor Imran Khan to depart from India by October 28 after he joined a public demonstration in the city. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office in Mumbai issued the notice due to a breach of visa terms and immigration laws. Mr. Khan holds foreign citizenship.

What Happened

The move follows an October 10 demonstration at August Kranti Maidan where participants urged Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down. Authorities briefly held Mr. Khan during that gathering, and he later shared a photograph from a police vehicle online. Officials stated the proceedings started on their own accord rather than from an outside complaint, utilizing central powers that govern the control and movement of overseas visitors.

Reactions

Ruling party politician Kirit Somaiya welcomed the decision, claiming outside funding fuels such disruptions. Conversely, opposition figures criticized the step. Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar faction parliamentarian Supriya Sule argued that citizens of other nations regularly join demonstrations abroad without facing deportation. Shiv Sena United Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut suggested the penalty shows state anxiety over supporting youth movements.

Context

Imran Khan is an Indian film actor and a relative of Bollywood star Aamir Khan. Legal frameworks in the country generally restrict individuals holding foreign passports from engaging in local political demonstrations or activism.