BJP's Kirit Somaiya Alleges Actor Imran Khan Received Funding from Pakistan, Backs Mumbai Police Action

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya accused actor Imran Khan of taking funds from Pakistan and conspiring with foreign powers to spread unrest in India after Mumbai Police reportedly directed the American citizen to leave the country by October 28 over his participation in an anti-CEC protest.

Mumbai Police issued the notice on Thursday, alleging that Khan violated the Foreigners Act by joining a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10. The actor, known for 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Delhi Belly', holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and is the nephew of actor Aamir Khan.

Somaiya Demands Deportation

Somaiya welcomed the police action in a video, claiming that Khan had reportedly received money from Pakistan to spread anarchy in India. “American citizen Imran Khan, who took funds from Pakistan, is conspiring with foreign powers to spread anarchy in India,” he said. Somaiya had earlier demanded Khan's deportation after the actor and his girlfriend, Lekha Washington, were detained during the October 10 protest at Mumbai's August Kranti Marg.

BJP Leader Seeks Look Out Circular

Somaiya visited Gamdevi Police Station to inquire about the action against Khan and filed a complaint with the Foreign Regional Registration Office's Immigration Division at Mumbai Airport. In a letter to Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Sharma, he sought clarification on whether Khan had permission to join the protest. He also requested a Look Out Circular (LOC) to prevent the actor from leaving India while the inquiry into his citizenship was pending.

Imran Khan Questions Police Action

Khan denied being part of a political group, reportedly saying he had joined the demonstration as a Mumbai resident. During the police action, he questioned the officers, asking, “What have I done? Why am I being manhandled?” Somaiya also alleged that the protest promoted an anti-Muslim narrative around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claimed that 40% of voters' names had been deleted in the Malabar Hill Assembly constituency.

Police Cite Restrictions on Protest Venue

The demonstration was held in solidarity with the Citizens for Justice and Peace's planned mobilisation amid concerns over the SIR and allegations of voter-list manipulation. Mumbai Police said August Kranti Maidan was not a designated protest venue under a Bombay High Court order and that preventive action was taken to maintain law and order. Around 600 people were reportedly detained at different locations across Mumbai, including approximately 200 people who had gathered at August Kranti Maidan.