Over 400 detained in Mumbai during Cockroach Janta Party protests; actor Imran Khan among them

Police in Mumbai have detained more than 400 people during protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Bollywood actor Imran Khan is among those detained. The action was taken during demonstrations at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan and at other places in the city.

The demonstrations in Mumbai were held in support of the agitation CJP has launched against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to officials, police detained about 200 people from August Kranti Maidan in south Mumbai on Saturday, October 10. They included members of activist Tushar Gandhi's organisation 'Hum Bharat Ke Log' and supporters of the Communist Party of India.

According to sources, the protesters had gathered without permission to support the agitation under way in Delhi. An official said police acted to prevent an unlawful assembly. The same official also said the process of registering FIRs against those detained was under way.

Meanwhile, near Hutatma Chowk in south Mumbai, police also detained workers of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi who were protesting in support of CJP. The party is led by Prakash Ambedkar.

After being detained, a video and social media post by actor Imran Khan have drawn attention. He shared a selfie sitting in a police van. With the photo he wrote a humorous caption, which means, 'Looks like I have set out for a drive.' Because he posted in a light-hearted manner despite being detained, the post has become a talking point. Many reactions are coming in on it on social media.

Marathi actor Chetan Vadnere commented on Imran Khan's post and expressed his support. Chetan Vadnere and his wife, actor Rutuja Dharap, are said to have been backing students since the agitation began. It is said that when students appear to be mistreated during the agitation, or something seems amiss, the two speak out through social media. For this reason, Chetan Vadnere's reaction to Imran Khan's post is also being discussed.

Some Bollywood artistes have also reacted to Imran Khan's post. Actor Shabana Azmi, composer Vishal Dadlani and actor Ruhanika, among many others, are reported to have commented in support of him. Following the episode, discussion has started over the agitation, the police action and the artistes' reactions on social media.