BJP's Kirit Somaiya Demands Imran Khan's Arrest and Deportation
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleges Imran Khan misused OCI status during Mumbai protests and has demanded his immediate arrest and deportation.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya has intensified his attack on actor Imran Khan, demanding his immediate arrest and deportation from India. The demand follows Khan's participation in a recent protest in Mumbai, where Somaiya alleges the actor violated Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) provisions and visa conditions.
Allegations of Misusing OCI Status
Speaking to the media on Monday, Somaiya accused the actor of displaying "political extremism" and attempting to incite anarchy within the country. Somaiya pointed out that while Khan holds an OCI card, he is fundamentally an American citizen, and his involvement in what Somaiya described as an illegal political agitation constitutes a misuse of his status.
"The citizens of India cannot tolerate the political extremism that Imran Khan has been displaying during his recent stay in the country," Somaiya stated. He further added, "He is an American citizen holding an OCI card, yet he has attempted to misuse his status. Today, we submitted all proofs and evidence to the police regarding his conduct—specifically the speeches he delivered during the protest and his earlier comments."
Evidence Submitted to Police
The BJP leader confirmed that he has formally approached the Gamdevi Police Station regarding the matter. Somaiya has submitted evidence concerning the speeches Khan delivered during the demonstration at August Kranti Maidan and other previous remarks. He argued that the current First Information Report (FIR) registered against the actor is incomplete and urged the authorities to take much stricter action.
Somaiya's demands include:
- The immediate issuance of a summons to Imran Khan.
- The arrest of the actor for inciting anarchy.
- Deportation from India due to visa and OCI violations.
Claims of a "Well-Planned Conspiracy"
The controversy extends beyond Khan. Somaiya also cast suspicion on the involvement of other prominent figures, specifically naming veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. He alleged that their presence at various demonstrations is not coincidental but part of a "well-planned conspiracy."
"Sometimes Shabana Azmi appears, sometimes Javed Akhtar shows up, and at other times others appear; this is a well-planned conspiracy. The money could be coming from Pakistan or elsewhere," Somaiya alleged, while also challenging Khan's claim of being a local resident of Mumbai.
Imran Khan Responds to Detainment
The friction follows a protest held on October 10 at August Kranti Maidan in support of a demonstration led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in New Delhi. Khan was among several individuals detained by the Mumbai Police during the event.
Responding to the allegations and his detention, Imran Khan clarified his stance, stating he was not there to push specific political demands but was acting as a concerned resident.
"I don't have demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted. Why are people's voices being suppressed? That is why I am here," the actor explained, expressing concern over the perceived suppression of public expression.