A British doctor of Indian origin has been unable to leave India for over a month after being caught up in a police investigation related to a social media post about a senior politician from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sangram Patil, who holds UK citizenship and works for the National Health Service (NHS) in Britain, was stopped from boarding a flight from Mumbai to London on 19 January due to a lookout circular issued against him. This official notice prevents individuals under investigation from leaving the country, effectively restricting Patil’s movement.
The case centers around allegations that Patil posted “objectionable content” on social media targeting a prominent BJP leader. The Mumbai police are investigating the matter following a complaint lodged by Nikhil Bhamre, who manages BJP’s social media in Maharashtra, the western Indian state whose capital is Mumbai. Bhamre’s complaint, filed on 18 December, accused Patil of publishing content that could incite hostility between groups supporting and opposing BJP ideology. Although the complaint did not explicitly name the politician involved, it was registered shortly after Patil made a post concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook. The police complaint, which BBC has reviewed, includes a link to this particular post.
Patil denies the allegations, describing the complaint as “unlawful” and asserting that his post was merely a simple question directed at government supporters, without involving any community or spreading rumors. He told BBC Marathi that the post did not contain any sensational or inflammatory content. Despite this, the police have registered a case under India’s criminal code for making statements containing false information that could incite enmity and hatred among communities. This offense is bailable but can carry a prison sentence of up to three years.
The doctor’s ordeal began when he arrived in Mumbai on 10 January with his wife. He was subjected to an intense interrogation lasting over 10 hours, and then questioned again for eight hours on 16 January. Although Patil provided written responses and requested the cancellation of the lookout circular to facilitate his return to the UK, he was still prevented from boarding his flight on 19 January. He described the extensive questioning as “targeted harassment,” especially since the issue stemmed from what he considered a single-line social media post.
Patil’s inability to return home has had significant personal and professional consequences. He emphasized the disruption to his family life and career, noting that his children and job are based in the UK. He invoked both international and Indian laws that guarantee freedom of movement, expressing frustration at the travel restrictions imposed on him. Patil has approached the courts seeking to have the police case dropped and the travel ban lifted. The next hearing on his petition is scheduled for 27 February.
The Mumbai police, meanwhile, have defended their actions by stating that the investigation is at a critical stage. In an affidavit filed on 30 January, the police argued that “the possibility of an organised effort to malign constitutional authority cannot be ruled out.” They expressed serious concern over a foreign citizen, despite being a qualified medical professional on a tourist e-visa, allegedly posting defamatory and inflammatory material against the prime minister while residing abroad. The police urged the court to dismiss Patil’s petition as “misconceived and premature.”
In response, Patil’s legal team has firmly denied the allegations. According to court documents reported by The Indian Express, Patil “categorically denied” making any post that named or referred to the prime minister. He argued that criminal prosecution cannot be based on subjective political interpretations or perceived sentiments. This case highlights the tension between freedom of expression and political sensitivities in India, especially regarding criticism of high-profile figures.
The UK government has stated that it is supporting Patil and remains in contact with Indian authorities, though it has not commented on the specifics of the case. The Mumbai police have not responded to BBC’s requests for comment.
This incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by expatriates and dual nationals who engage in political discourse on social media, particularly when such discussions involve powerful political parties and leaders. It also raises questions about the use of legal provisions to curb online speech and the implications for freedom of movement when criminal investigations involve foreign nationals.
As the legal process continues, Patil remains in India, uncertain when he will be allowed to return to his family and work in the UK. The next court hearing on 27 February will be crucial in determining whether the travel restrictions will be lifted and the investigation