Police action has intensified across major metropolitan centers as demonstrations demanding the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar escalate over alleged discrepancies in the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls. During the demonstrations in Mumbai, actor Imran Khan, his partner Lekha Washington, and actress Zain Khan were taken into custody by law enforcement officers. Following the detention, the actor posted a photograph from inside a police transport van on Instagram, noting in a casual tone that it felt as though he were going on a drive. Lekha Washington also shared an update from the scene, describing the unusual romantic setting under police detention as their visuals rapidly circulated across digital platforms.
Public Reactions and Support for the Actor
The circulation of the images and footage from inside the police vehicle triggered an immediate wave of commentary across social media platforms, with numerous users praising the actor for taking a direct stance on a public issue. One commenter commended the display of genuine courage, while another expressed long-standing admiration for the actor since childhood. Others remarked that he proved himself a hero both on screen and in real life, with one follower referencing his memorable screen character. Actress Saiyami Kher also responded to Imran Khan's post, expressing admiration for the courage displayed during the event.
Film Industry Figures Back the Protests
Prominent figures from the Indian film industry have openly voiced solidarity with the demonstration. Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and actors Naseeruddin Shah and Prakash Raj have stood in favor of the grievances being raised. When Abhijeet Dipke previously organized protests against the Election Commissioner in Mumbai, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah visited him in person to extend solidarity. During that encounter, the veteran performer openly described himself as a fan of Dipke, and the visual interaction between the two drew widespread attention on social media networks, giving the campaign greater visibility beyond conventional political circles.
Mass Detentions and Heavy Security Deployment in Delhi
Meanwhile, in the national capital, demonstrations organized under the banner of Jantar Mantar 2.0 commenced on October 10 amid extensive administrative measures. Authorities deployed over 40,000 personnel drawn from the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces, securing the surrounding zones with barricades and spike strips. Farmers from Haryana and Punjab joined the demonstration called by the CJP alongside Left-leaning groups in support of the demands led by Abhijeet Dipke. Upon landing at Delhi airport from Mumbai, Abhijeet Dipke and spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were promptly detained by police teams. More than 200 protesters have been taken into custody and transferred to temporary detention centers across the capital, among them YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and CJP representative Ratna Singh, as agitation continues over the voter revision controversy.
