Bollywood actor Imran Khan was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10 during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Kranti Maidan. The demonstration took place amid growing protests over alleged electoral irregularities in India.
The 43-year-old actor shared a selfie from inside a police van after his detention. He added the sarcastic caption, “I’m going for a drive.” His girlfriend, Lekha Washington, was also detained during the demonstration.
According to reports, Mumbai Police detained more than 400 people during Saturday’s protest. The detainees were later released after a brief period in custody.
Before his detention, Imran Khan told reporters that he had joined the demonstration as an ordinary citizen. He said he wanted answers about restrictions on freedom of movement and the alleged suppression of public voices.
The Delhi Belly star clarified that he was not representing any political organisation. He said his participation reflected his personal concerns about the situation.
Imran Khan explained that he had no specific demands to present to the authorities. Instead, he wanted to understand why people faced restrictions while expressing their views. He also stressed that he was participating in his individual capacity.
Mumbai Police said the protest had not received formal permission. Officials also referred to Bombay High Court orders restricting protests in Mumbai to Azad Maidan.
However, representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party claimed they had requested permission by email. They alleged that police had not responded to their request.
The party has been organising demonstrations over alleged manipulation of electoral rolls. It has also demanded the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner.
Meanwhile, similar protests in New Delhi reportedly resulted in around 1,500 detentions. Those reportedly detained included former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The demonstrations have drawn attention to ongoing disputes surrounding India’s electoral process. Media reports have also highlighted alleged disagreements within the Election Commission over electoral rolls.
According to those reports, officials raised objections to 14 decisions made by the Chief Election Commissioner over the previous 10 months. Further details about these disagreements were not included in the available information.
Imran Khan has previously spoken about political and social issues. His public comments have included concerns about police action against students and the role of art in public debate.
In other news read more about: India Reportedly Detains Cockroach Movement Leader Ahead of Major Protest
His detention during the latest protest has brought additional attention to the demonstrations. The incident also highlights continuing tensions over public protests, freedom of movement and allegations concerning electoral procedures in India.
