Authorities in India have reportedly ordered actor Imran Khan, the nephew of Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, to depart the country by October 28. The controversial directive follows the actor's brief detention and participation in an opposition protest in Mumbai demanding electoral reforms. Khan, an American citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, allegedly joined demonstrators at August Kranti Maidan to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Foreigners' Regional Registration Office (FRRO) served the notice after a formal complaint was lodged by Kirit Somaiya, a senior leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Somaiya accused the actor of supposedly being involved in a conspiracy to spread anarchy across the nation. Police stated that Khan had participated in the agitation despite lacking Indian citizenship, prompting immediate administrative action against the prominent film personality.

Meanwhile, Khan's legal representation has firmly rejected the administrative order, announcing plans to challenge the directive in the Bombay High Court as overly drastic and legally unfounded. The defense argues that no existing provisions for OCI cardholders explicitly prohibit participation in peaceful public demonstrations. The incident unfolds amidst broader nationwide protests led by the GenZ-backed Cockroach Janta Party and various opposition figures questioning the integrity of India's electoral mechanisms.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk