Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan, his girlfriend Lekha Washington and his cousin Zayn Marie were detained by Mumbai Police during a protest supporting the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at August Kranti Maidan on Saturday. All three were released hours later and confirmed through social media that they were safe. However, Lekha’s account of the difficulties they allegedly faced while trying to return home has added another dimension to the incident.
The detention took place on October 10 as demonstrators gathered in solidarity with the CJP’s protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to media reports, more than 400 people were detained across Mumbai as police moved to prevent gatherings they considered unauthorised.
Imran Khan Says He Attended as a Citizen
Before being detained, Imran told news agency ANI that he had joined the gathering as a resident of Mumbai, not as a representative of any political organisation.
He questioned restrictions on freedom of movement and the suppression of public voices, explaining that his presence was motivated by his concerns as a citizen.
Following the police action, the actor shared a picture from inside a police van, accompanied by the light hearted caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
Zayn Marie also posted footage from inside the vehicle. Referring to Imran’s debut film, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, she made a playful reference to his character, Jay Singh Rathore, whose storyline included a memorable jail sequence.
Lekha Washington Shares Update After Release
Lekha confirmed their safety in an Instagram video after their release. In a subsequent post, she was seen embracing Imran and Zayn after they returned home.
She also alleged that they struggled to arrange a cab because police were threatening drivers willing to take them home. The claim has not been independently verified.
Why Was the Protest Held?
The CJP demonstration was linked to allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls, particularly the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and changes concerning Form 6, the form used for voter registration. The party has demanded accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Police restrictions on the Mumbai gathering became a central issue, with authorities seeking to prevent an unauthorised assembly.
The episode has drawn attention beyond Bollywood because it touches on questions of peaceful protest, civil liberties and the limits placed on public demonstrations. While Imran, Lekha and Zayn have been released, questions surrounding the police action and the allegations made afterwards remain significant.
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