Actor Imran Khan Asked to Leave India by October 28 After Anti SIR Protest

Mumbai: Mumbai Police have issued a Leave India Notice directing actor Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, to leave India by October 28, following his participation in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, was among those detained during a demonstration held at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The protesters were demanding the CEC’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

According to reports, the notice was issued under the relevant provisions of immigration law because Khan is not an Indian citizen and had participated in the demonstration. The action follows a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who questioned Khan’s participation and sought an inquiry into his citizenship and immigration status.

Somaiya welcomed the action and alleged that foreign nationals should face legal consequences if they violate Indian laws. He had also made allegations about possible foreign involvement in protests against the SIR exercise. These claims have not been independently established.

Khan’s participation in the protest had drawn attention after he shared a photograph from inside a police vehicle on Instagram, accompanied by the caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”

The protest was organised in support of the wider campaign against the SIR process and the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns about the potential exclusion of eligible voters from electoral rolls.

The Leave India Notice gives Khan until October 28 to leave the country. The development has also brought renewed attention to the rules governing political activities by foreign nationals and OCI cardholders in India.