Mumbai: BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya has approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and immigration authorities, seeking a Look Out Circular (LOC) against actor Imran Khan over his participation in a protest in Mumbai on October 10.
In a letter dated October 13 to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya urged the Centre to prevent the actor from travelling abroad until an inquiry into his complaint and the investigation into a Mumbai Police case are completed.
He also requested the Bureau of Immigration to issue an LOC against Khan and alert the police if the actor attempts to leave the country. The request is yet to be confirmed as an official travel restriction.
Somaiya Seeks Action Over August Kranti Maidan Protest
The move follows a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The gathering was organised in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protest against the Chief Election Commissioner.
In his letter, Somaiya alleged that the demonstration had taken place without the necessary permission. He further claimed that Khan had attended and participated in the protest before Mumbai Police detained him at the venue.
According to the letter, Gamdevi Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) numbered 813 of 2026 in connection with the incident, with Khan named in the case. Somaiya also stated that he had not received a copy of the FIR.
BJP Leader Raises Actor’s Citizenship and OCI Status
Somaiya claimed that Khan is a US citizen and reportedly holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. He asked the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration to examine whether the actor’s participation in the protest warranted action under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
An OCI card does not confer full Indian citizenship, and the legal consequences of an OCI cardholder’s participation in a protest depend on the applicable laws and circumstances of the case. Somaiya’s request does not, by itself, mean that an LOC has been issued or that any decision has been taken to restrict Khan’s travel.
The BJP leader also sought a written update from the concerned authorities on the action taken in response to his request.
Actor Was Detained During CJP Demonstration
Imran Khan was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10 while attending the demonstration at August Kranti Maidan. The protest was organised in support of the CJP’s demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Somaiya also took to X to share a copy of his letter to the Union Home Secretary and reiterate his demand for travel restrictions against the actor.
“Requested Immigration Home Ministry to issue a LOC (look out circular) against #ImranKhan to NOT to leave India,” he wrote.
The matter now depends on the response of the concerned authorities and any further action arising from the complaint and police investigation.