Actor Imran Khan recounts detention after release

Bollywood actor Imran Khan has recounted his experience of being detained by Mumbai Police during a protest, saying he and others were driven around in a police van for nearly two hours without being told why they had been picked up.

Imran was detained on Saturday (October 10) along with his partner, Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

After his release, the actor appeared in videos circulating on social media, describing the incident and questioning the reason for the detention.

“I honestly don't know why I have been brought here,” Imran said in one video, adding that police had asked them to get into the vehicle without providing a clear explanation.

He also made a sarcastic remark about the experience, saying he had thought the police vehicle must be particularly comfortable because officers seemed eager to get them inside.

The actor later waved at police personnel and shouted “Jai Hind” as he left, according to videos shared on social media.

Washington and Zayn also shared updates about their experience after being released. Washington alleged that they faced difficulties arranging transport home, claiming that drivers were being discouraged from taking them. These allegations could not be independently verified.

The protest was organised in support of the CJP's demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The detentions in Mumbai came amid a wider police operation against demonstrations in several Indian cities. Thousands of protesters were reportedly detained during the protests in Mumbai and New Delhi.