India expels activist Imran Khan over poll chief protest

Mumbai Police issued a directive on Thursday asking Imran Khan, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) holder, to leave the country by October 28. The action followed Khan's public protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to official sources.

The expulsion order has drawn contrasting responses from India's political establishment. While some opposition figures have condemned the move as autocratic governance, others have characterized Khan's activities as subversive, using the Hindi phrase 'Aasteen ka Saanp'—meaning a concealed threat—to describe his conduct.

Khan's removal marks an escalation in tensions surrounding foreign activism on Indian soil. The OCI status, granted to persons of Indian origin, permits extended residence and business rights in India, though holders remain subject to Indian law and can face expulsion for violations.

The incident underscores ongoing debates about the boundaries of free expression and foreign intervention in India's internal affairs. While civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the expulsion's legality, government sources have maintained that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of democratic institutions.

No official statement from Khan or clarification regarding specific violations cited in the expulsion order has been released as of press time.