Dhurandhar actress claims she was detained by Mumbai Police during CJP protest, says 'I kept asking why we were being detained but...'

People in Mumbai took to the streets in solidarity with students during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). During the demonstration, Dhurandhar actor Ayesha Khan claimed she was detained by the Mumbai Police on Wednesday, July 22, while trying to participate in the protest demanding educational reforms. The movement, which began in Delhi, has now spread to several cities across the country.

Ayesha shares videos from police van and station

Soon after being detained, Ayesha took to Instagram and shared a series of videos from inside a police van and later from Worli Police Station. The actor appeared visibly emotional as she described what had happened.

In one of the videos, Ayesha said she had reached the protest venue around 4 pm to stand in support of students. According to her, she was not shouting slogans or participating in the demonstration when the police detained her. She said she had simply remained on the roadside with two of her female friends after her brother and a few male friends had already been taken into a police van.

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A post shared by Ayesha Khan (@ayeshaakhan_official)

The actor claimed she was shaken by the incident and said she was detained despite not saying anything or beginning the protest.

'Nobody answered why we were being detained'

In another video, Ayesha was seen asking police officials where they were taking those who had been detained. She also requested officers not to push her while she was being escorted.

Later, in a longer video recorded from Worli Police Station, Ayesha alleged that nearly 15 police personnel, including women officers, surrounded her and her two friends and instructed them to get into the police van.

She wrote, "Dragged, detained for standing in peace. Asked questions to all the police people present there on why were we being detained? But no answer whatsoever! Sadak pe khade rehna kabse crime ho Gaya? Today will be the most peaceful sleep of my life. I stood for what was right! Still in the police station asking the same question! Why am I detained? Which law did I break? Forget about one’s democratic right, and protecting it, instead you are harming your own citizens, for what? I see shame in some of their eyes, but they are bound by their duties, they know, we know, what’s right and what’s wrong.
My stand is clear. We lack accountability, EVERYWHERE. I still have hope, we will see a better future."

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A post shared by Ayesha Khan (@ayeshaakhan_official)

The actor further alleged that she and her friends had not even started protesting. They had not raised slogans, carried placards or blocked the road. They were simply standing together after some members of their group had already been detained, she said.

Alleges use of force during detention

Ayesha also accused some police personnel at the protest site of using unnecessary force while detaining her. She alleged that she and her friends were pushed while being taken to the police vehicle.

However, she made a distinction between the officers at the protest site and those at Worli Police Station. According to the actor, the officials at the police station behaved politely and spoke respectfully with them after they arrived there.

Protest held in support of NEET students

The Mumbai protest was organised in support of the ongoing student protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands for educational reforms. Similar protests have been reported in several cities over the past few days as students and supporters continue to seek action on the issue.

The CJP-led protest, which started in Delhi, has since gained support in multiple parts of the country, drawing students, activists and public figures.

Who is Ayesha Khan?

Ayesha Khan is an actor and model who first gained nationwide recognition after entering Bigg Boss 17 as a wildcard contestant. In recent months, she has received wider attention for her appearance in the hit song Shararat from Dhurandhar, which became a major chartbuster.

Apart from music videos, she has worked in television and films and remains active on social media, where she frequently shares her views on social and public issues.