Indian authorities have reportedly directed Bollywood actor Imran Khan to leave the country by October 28 following his participation in a protest demanding the resignation of India’s chief election commissioner.
According to reports in the Indian Express and Times of India, the 43-year-old actor, who holds US citizenship, was issued a notice over an alleged violation of immigration regulations governing foreign nationals’ involvement in political activities.
The action reportedly followed Khan’s participation in an October 10 demonstration in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Protesters had called for Kumar’s resignation over controversial revisions to electoral rolls, which opposition parties and critics allege favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Indian regulations restrict certain political activities by foreign nationals, and participation in demonstrations can be treated as a breach of visa or immigration conditions.
According to the Indian Express, a complaint was lodged against Khan at a Mumbai police station, alleging that his participation in the demonstration violated the law.
The complaint reportedly prompted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), the federal agency responsible for overseeing foreign nationals in India, to issue the notice directing him to leave.
On the day of the protest, Khan posted a photograph on Instagram showing himself making a victory sign while seated in what appeared to be a police vehicle.
“Apparently I’m going for a drive,” he wrote alongside the image.
Khan did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters regarding the reported order.
The actor, who is the nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, appeared in several successful Hindi films between 2008 and 2015 before stepping away from acting.
The reported deportation notice has drawn attention to the restrictions placed on foreign citizens participating in political demonstrations in India.
The reports did not indicate whether Khan intends to challenge the notice or leave India before the October 28 deadline.