India tells Bollywood actor Imran Khan to leave country by October 28 over CJP protest

Mumbai Police have directed Bollywood actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating immigration laws by participating in a political protest, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported on Thursday.

The notice comes days after the actor was detained briefly by Mumbai Police on October 10 for showing solidarity with a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

A police official said Khan was not an Indian citizen and, as a foreign national, was prohibited under relevant immigration and foreigners laws from participating in political protests or activities on Indian soil.

Police have served Khan with a formal notice directing him to leave the country by October 28. He has received a copy of the notice, while further administrative procedures are underway, officials said.

The action followed a request by former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kirit Somaiya, who urged Mumbai Police to take action against the actor for participating in the CJP demonstration despite being a foreign citizen. Somaiya also sought clarification on whether foreign nationals could take part in such political agitations.

The October 10 demonstration took place amid protests by CJP supporters demanding the election chief's resignation. Khan's participation drew police attention over his citizenship status and the restrictions authorities say apply to foreign nationals engaging in political activities in India.