Mumbai CJP protest: Police directs actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28

Imran Khan seen near August Kranti Maidan on October 10. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Actor Imran Khan was sent a notice by Mumbai Police on Thursday directing him to leave India by October 28. This is for allegedly violating the Immigration and Foreigners Act by participating in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. It is mission accomplished for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya, as the action follows his police complaint on October 12.

On October 10, the actor was seen being taken into a police van near August Kranti Maidan, with photos showing him flashing the ‘V' victory sign and saying: "Apparently, I am going for a drive."

Imran Khan being detained by police on October 10. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

On October 15, the senior BJP leader said, "I want to commend the absolute clarity, communication, and quick action by both the State and Centre on this matter."

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Quick action commended

Kirit Somaiya, BJP leader
‘I started the action on Saturday evening, which I will term Day 1, and by Day 5, which was yesterday, we already see that the notice has been issued. This speed is remarkable. It shows clarity. I commend the Joint Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Sharma and the immigration authorities. I want to send a message through this complaint and subsequent result that no anarchy will be tolerated.' For Somaiya, who praised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the alacrity of action was indicative of clear vision.

Imran Khan's residence at Pali Hill in Bandra West. Pic/Mangesh Kamble

Should abide by rules

In response to a question about celebrity faces at the protest, Somaiya said, "These celebrities, whoever they may be - actors or others - cannot profess ignorance of rules while participating in protests. They should know the rules very well, and I think they do know them. Persons using foreign funds for creating anarchy here should face action."

Imran Khan's next move

It is learnt that Khan is considering filing a Writ Petition in the HC against the notice from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, for which he has engaged MZM Legal LLP as his counsel. mid-day contacted Zulfiqar Memon, managing partner of MZM Legal, who refused to comment.