Notice issued to Imran Khan
Mumbai Police has issued a notice to Bollywood actor Imran Khan, ordering him to leave India by October 28. The action followed his participation in a protest held at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan last week demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Citizenship and allegations of Imran Khan
Imran Khan, who is the nephew of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, reportedly holds a US passport and 'Overseas Citizen of India' (OCI) card. According to the information, he is accused of participating in the protest despite not being an Indian citizen, due to which action has been taken against him under Section 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act.
Ashok Pandit's reaction
Ashok Pandit's reaction on the notice received by Imran Khan
Responding to this notice, film producer Ashok Pandit said that he is satisfied with this decision. He said that people who are not Indian citizens should understand their rights before participating in the protests.
He said, “I am really very happy… because when you do not have the right to protest, and you are not even a citizen of this country, you are trying to defame our country. It is possible that this is being done at the behest of enemies inside and outside the country, or across the border.”
Imran Khan detained in protest
Imran Khan detained during protests in Mumbai
Imran Khan was detained by the police during the protest taking place at August Kranti Maidan on Saturday. In this demonstration, the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was demanded.
After being detained, Imran shared a picture of himself sitting inside a police van. “Looks like I'm going for a drive,” he captioned the post. Speaking to the media, Imran said that he had come there as a citizen of Mumbai and had no special demands.
Support and political reactions to the protests
There have been many reactions after Imran received the notice to leave India, including from people supporting the protests.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had demanded the arrest of Imran Khan and his expulsion from the country. Somaiya alleges that the actor has violated OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) rules.
He said that he has handed over evidence related to Imran's speeches and his earlier statements to the police. Somaiya demanded immediate action from the police and alleged that the actor has misused his OCI status by taking part in an 'unlawful political movement'.
Imran Khan's legal action
Imran has said that he will challenge this notice in the Bombay High Court. His lawyer argues that it is not written anywhere in the rules that OCI card holders cannot take part in protests.