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Imran Khan, who holds US citizenship and an OCI card, was among those detained during a protest organised in support of the Cockroach Janta Party in Mumbai on October 10
Actor Imran Khan was detained
Can a person of Indian origin who holds a foreign passport join a political protest in India? The question has come into focus after actor Imran Khan was asked to leave the country by October 28 following his participation in a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The controversy centres on the rights and restrictions attached to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status—a scheme that offers several privileges to foreign citizens of Indian origin but stops short of granting them citizenship or political rights.
Khan, who holds US citizenship and an OCI card, was among those detained during a protest organised in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai on October 10. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya subsequently approached the Mumbai Police, seeking action against the actor and alleging that his participation violated OCI rules and visa conditions. On Thursday, a notice was served, asking Khan to leave India by October 28.
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Ask News18Actor Imran Khan was asked to leave India by October 28 after he participated in a political demonstration in Mumbai. The protest, held on October 10 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party, targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, prompting BJP leader Kirit Somaiya to allege that Khan violated OCI rules and visa conditions.
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Apoorva Misra is an Associate Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers…Read More
October 15, 2026, 11:05 IST
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