Imran Khan Actor Detained With Lekha Washington at Mumbai CJP Protest

Bollywood actor Imran Khan and his partner Lekha Washington were detained by police during a protest in Mumbai. On 10 October 2026, the two had joined a protest near August Kranti Maidan held in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A few hours later, Imran Khan, Lekha Washington and Imran's cousin Zayn Marie were released.

The episode has stirred discussion in both the film industry and political circles. Lekha Washington shared her account of the police action on social media after their release, while BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has asked Mumbai Police to look into Imran Khan's citizenship and his status in India. For now, the questions over his citizenship are a political leader's demand, not the finding of any official inquiry.

Why were Imran Khan and Lekha Washington detained?

According to media reports, a protest in support of the CJP was planned at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan. Protesters were demanding that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar step down, over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged irregularities linked to it.

Mumbai Police said no permission had been obtained for a gathering at August Kranti Maidan. People associated with the CJP, on the other hand, claimed they had sought permission by email but received no reply. Amid this dispute, police detained people heading towards the protest site.

Speaking about his participation, Imran Khan said he had come not as a representative of any organisation but as a citizen. He raised questions about people's freedom of movement and their freedom to speak their minds.

What Lekha Washington said after her release

After being released, Lekha Washington posted a video on social media saying they were all safe. She later shared pictures of returning home with Imran Khan and Zayn Marie.

Lekha alleged that after their release they had trouble booking a cab home. According to her, drivers who agreed to take them were allegedly being threatened by police. This is Lekha's allegation, and available reports have not independently confirmed it.

Imran Khan also posted a picture from inside a police van with the caption, "Apparently I'm going for a drive." The post drew wide attention on social media. His cousin Zayn Marie also shared videos from the time they were in detention.

Around 600 detained in Mumbai

According to media reports, police detained around 600 people who had turned up in Mumbai on 10 October to protest in support of the CJP. They included actor Imran Khan, others who were with Lekha Washington at the protest, social activist Tushar Gandhi and some political workers.

Police cited an unauthorised gathering, while those involved in the protest said they had sought permission for a peaceful demonstration. Those detained were later let go.

Media reports also said police registered an FIR in connection with the protest, naming 12 people including Tushar Gandhi. Being named in an FIR, however, is not in itself proof that anyone is guilty.

Why Kirit Somaiya raised questions on Imran Khan citizenship

The matter took a new turn when former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya questioned Imran Khan's citizenship and his participation in a political protest.

According to media reports, Somaiya wrote to Mumbai Police's Joint Commissioner seeking an inquiry. He asked whether, if the actor is a foreign national, he was permitted to take part in such a political protest. Somaiya also demanded that he be deported.

It must be made clear, however, that the questions Somaiya has raised about the actor's citizenship are not an official confirmation. Available reports show no final finding by the police or any government department on Imran Khan's citizenship.

Before his detention, Imran Khan had told the media that he was not representing any organisation and had come as a citizen. Available reports do not record any detailed public response from him to the questions over his citizenship.

Can foreign nationals protest in India?

The row also raises legal questions about foreign nationals taking part in political activity. Article 19 of the Constitution gives Indian citizens the right to freedom of expression and to assemble peacefully. The position of foreign nationals can differ, as their rights are shaped by the applicable laws and their visa conditions.

A person's citizenship, visa and the legal status of their activities can be confirmed only on the basis of official records and an inquiry by the authorities concerned. It cannot be concluded that someone has broken the law merely on the basis of a political leader's allegation.

What next?

Imran Khan, Lekha Washington and Zayn Marie have been released from detention. The matter remains in the news, however, because of the FIR linked to the protest and the questions raised over Imran Khan's citizenship.

It will be important to see how Mumbai Police responds to Kirit Somaiya's demand regarding the actor's citizenship and protest participation, and what further action follows in the protest case.

Two issues need to be kept separate here. The detentions during the protest and the FIR that followed are one; the questions raised over Imran Khan's citizenship are another. Final conclusions on both should be drawn only from official information and due legal process.