CJP protest: Actor Imran Khan detained over demand for India poll chief’s resignation

Actor Imran Khan, a Bollywood celebrity, was taken into custody by Mumbai Police on Saturday, October 10, at August Kranti Maidan, the intended location for a demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The Mumbai Police stated that the demonstration had not received prior permission, and they could not approve it due to court orders which only permit protests at Azad Maidan.

CJP supporters argued that they had sent emails to the police requesting authorization, but received no reply. The police collected numerous protesters, including elderly individuals, at August Kranti Maidan and transported them to a nearby police station. Imran Khan, who claimed he was not affiliated with any group and spoke on his own behalf, was also apprehended.

Nearly 1,500 individuals were similarly arrested in New Delhi in connection with the CJP's planned protest at Jantar Mantar, while prominent figures such as former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee from Trinamool Congress, and Neha Bora from All India Students’ Association were among those detained. The protest movement has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over accusations related to the Election Commission of India’s voter-roll revision process.

The commission has denied any misconduct, stating that the revision is intended to remove duplicate and ineligible voters, aiming to enhance electoral accuracy.