Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya on Thursday, 15 October alleged that Bollywood actor Imran Khan — nephew of superstar Aamir Khan — received funding from Pakistan and support from foreign nations to spread what Somaiya described as 'anarchy' and destabilise India. The charge came hours after the Mumbai Police issued a notice asking the actor to leave India by 28 October over his participation in an anti-Chief Election Commissioner protest.

What Kirit Somaiya Claimed

In a self-recorded video posted on his X handle, Somaiya alleged: 'American citizen Imran Khan, receiving Pakistani funding and foreign support, and such foreign citizens are spreading conspiracies to create anarchy in India.' He added that he welcomed the Mumbai Police and Immigration Department action, writing: 'I welcome Mumbai Police & Immigration Dept action asking Imran Khan to leave India by 28 October. All such Foreign Citizens, Persons using Foreign Fund to create Anarchy in India should face such action.'

It was Somaiya who had earlier filed a complaint against the actor and sought travel restrictions on him until the police completed their investigation — flagging the possibility that Khan might leave the country before the probe concluded.

The Mumbai Police Notice and Its Basis

The Mumbai Police issued the departure notice citing the actor's participation in the anti-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) protest at August Kranti Maidan, Mumbai, on 10 October. Police claim the participation violated the Foreigners Act, as the actor is reportedly an American citizen who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Imran Khan, along with his partner Lekha Washington and cousin Zayne Marie Khan, was briefly detained after the protest before being released a few hours later.

Who Is Imran Khan the Actor

Best known for his roles in 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na' and 'Delhi Belly', Imran Khan stepped away from mainstream Bollywood over a decade ago. He is the nephew of Aamir Khan and is reportedly an American citizen holding an OCI card, which grants residency-equivalent rights in India but does not confer citizenship.

BJP's Position on Foreign Participation in Protests

Somaiya had approached Mumbai Police arguing that the actor should face charges for participating in what he characterised as an 'illegal political agitation' and for allegedly 'violating OCI provisions and visa conditions.' This comes amid a broader BJP position that foreign nationals and OCI cardholders should not participate in domestic political demonstrations — a stance critics argue conflates civic participation with foreign interference.

What Happens Next

The actor has until 28 October to leave India, per the police notice. Whether the Mumbai Police will pursue further action — or whether the actor will challenge the notice — remains to be seen. The allegations of Pakistani funding made by Somaiya are, as of now, unverified claims by a political figure; no official agency has corroborated them. Developments in the case are expected to draw further political and legal scrutiny in the days ahead.