BJP's Kirit Somaiya seeks LOC against actor Imran Khan after Mumbai protest
Synopsis
BJP's Kirit Somaiya has escalated the fallout from actor Imran Khan's detention at a Mumbai protest into a federal immigration matter — demanding a Look Out Circular and invoking the OCI citizenship bar on political activity. If authorities act, it could set a precedent for how foreign-national public figures are treated when they join political demonstrations in India.
Key Takeaways
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya wrote to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on 13 October 2026 , seeking a Look Out Circular (LOC) against actor Imran Khan .
The request follows Khan's detention by Mumbai Police at August Kranti Maidan on 10 October 2026 during a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar .
Gamdevi Police Station registered FIR No.
813 of 2026 in connection with the protest, with Khan named in the case.
Somaiya claims Khan is a US citizen holding an OCI card and has asked the Home Ministry to examine possible action under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955 .
Somaiya shared the letter on X , publicly calling for Khan to be barred from leaving India until the probe concludes.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya on 13 October 2026 approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, urging them to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against actor Imran Khan to prevent him from leaving India while an investigation and a related complaint inquiry remain pending.
What Somaiya Has Demanded
In a letter addressed to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue directions barring Khan from travelling abroad under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He also asked the Bureau of Immigration to issue an LOC against the actor and notify the police should Khan attempt to exit the country. Somaiya additionally sought a written update from authorities on the steps taken in response to his request.
The Protest and the FIR
The demand stems from a protest held at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan on 10 October 2026, where demonstrators called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Somaiya alleged in his letter that the gathering took place without the requisite official permission. He further claimed that Khan had attended and participated in the demonstration before Mumbai Police detained him at the venue. The protest was reportedly organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). According to the letter, Gamdevi Police Station registered an FIR numbered 813 of 2026 in connection with the incident, with Khan named in the case. Somaiya stated that he had not yet received a copy of the FIR.
Citizenship and Immigration Angle
Somaiya claimed in his letter that Khan is a US citizen and reportedly holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. He urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration to assess whether the actor's participation in the protest warrants action under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 — provisions that govern the rights and conduct of foreign nationals and OCI cardholders in India. This is notable because OCI cardholders are explicitly barred from participating in political activities in India under existing law, and any determination of such involvement could have implications for Khan's OCI status.
Somaiya's Post on X
Somaiya also shared a copy of the letter on social media platform X, writing: 'Requested Immigration Home Ministry to issue a LOC (look out circular) against #ImranKhan to NOT to leave India.' The post drew attention to the BJP leader's escalation of the matter beyond local law enforcement to federal immigration oversight.
What Happens Next
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration have not issued a public response to Somaiya's request as of the time of this report. Gamdevi Police Station's investigation under FIR 813 of 2026 is ongoing. Whether authorities choose to act on the LOC demand will depend on the findings of the Mumbai Police investigation and any assessment of Khan's citizenship and OCI status.
Point of View
The BJP is framing the protest less as a law-and-order issue and more as a foreign-interference narrative, a framing that has resonance with its broader messaging on election commission independence. The irony is that the protest itself targeted a constitutional authority, making the government's response politically sensitive from both sides. Whether the Home Ministry acts on the LOC request will signal how far the Centre is willing to extend its oversight over celebrity activism by OCI holders.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kirit Somaiya seeking a Look Out Circular against actor Imran Khan?
Somaiya is seeking an LOC because Khan was detained by Mumbai Police on 10 October 2026 at a protest at August Kranti Maidan that Somaiya alleges was held without official permission. An FIR numbered 813 of 2026 has been registered at Gamdevi Police Station with Khan named in the case, and Somaiya wants to ensure Khan does not leave India while the investigation continues.
What is the citizenship angle in this case?
Somaiya claims actor Imran Khan is a US citizen who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. OCI cardholders are prohibited from participating in political activities in India under existing law, and Somaiya has asked the Home Ministry to examine whether Khan's involvement in the protest warrants action under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
What was the protest at August Kranti Maidan about?
The protest on 10 October 2026 was organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mumbai Police detained actor Imran Khan at the venue during the demonstration.
Has the Home Ministry responded to Somaiya's request?
As of 13 October 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration had not issued a public response to Somaiya's letter. The Gamdevi Police Station investigation under FIR 813 of 2026 remains ongoing.
What is an OCI card and what are its restrictions?
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a form of long-term residency status granted to foreign nationals of Indian origin. OCI cardholders can live and work in India but are barred from participating in political activities under Indian law — a restriction that forms the legal basis of Somaiya's complaint against Khan.
