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UK doctor detained in India over social media allegations
Dr. Sangram Patil, a British citizen of Indian origin employed by the NHS, has been barred from leaving India since mid-January after authorities launched an investigation into a social media post he allegedly made about a senior figure in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Background of the case
Patil, who has a significant following on Facebook and YouTube, was stopped at Mumbai airport on 19 January when attempting to board a flight to London. A lookout circular-a legal notice preventing individuals under investigation from leaving the country-had been issued against him.
The case stems from a complaint filed on 18 December by Nikhil Bhamre, who manages the BJP's social media operations in Maharashtra. Bhamre accused Patil of posting "objectionable content" about a prominent BJP leader on Facebook.
Allegations and legal proceedings
The complaint, which the BBC has reviewed, references a post Patil made four days earlier about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhamre claimed the post could "create hostility between groups supporting and opposing the BJP's ideology."
Mumbai police registered a case against Patil under India's criminal code for "making statements containing false information that could incite enmity or hatred between communities." The charge is bailable, with a potential prison sentence of up to three years.
"My post was a simple question to government supporters and nothing more. It didn't target any community or spread rumors," Patil told BBC Marathi.
Dr. Sangram Patil
Patil's response and court battle
Patil has denied the allegations, calling the police action "unlawful." He argued that the complaint was based on a "subjective political interpretation" rather than any concrete violation of law.
He was questioned for over 18 hours across two sessions in January and provided written responses to police inquiries. Despite assurances that the lookout circular would be withdrawn, he was prevented from boarding his flight on 19 January.
Patil has since filed a petition in court seeking to quash the case and lift travel restrictions. The next hearing is scheduled for 27 February.
Police defense and international response
In a court affidavit filed on 30 January, Mumbai police defended their actions, stating the investigation was at a "crucial stage" and that an "organised effort to malign constitutional authority" could not be ruled out.
"It is a matter of serious concern that a foreign citizen, visiting India on a tourist visa, would post defamatory and inflammatory material about the prime minister while residing abroad," the police stated.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it was providing support to Patil but did not disclose further details. "We are assisting a British national in India and remain in contact with local authorities," a spokesperson said last week.
Impact on Patil's life
Patil, who lives in the UK with his family and works for the NHS, described the ordeal as "targeted harassment."
"My children and my job are in the UK. Both international and Indian law grant me the right to free movement. These restrictions are unjust," he said.
Dr. Sangram Patil
