Original Reporting by: Sukanya Shantha | Source: The Wire
“This excessive police action – including the LOC and FIR – for a single-sentence Facebook post has caused great harassment not only to me but also to my family.” — Dr. Sangram Patil, speaking to The Wire
Dr. Sangram Patil, a British citizen and consultant with the National Health Service (NHS), has been barred from leaving India and subjected to multiple rounds of police questioning following a Facebook post critical of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
What began as a visit to family has turned into a legal ordeal involving Lookout Circulars (LOC), prolonged detention, and diplomatic intervention.
The Incident
Dr. Patil, a popular YouTuber known for his critiques of the Modi administration, arrived in Mumbai on January 10 with his wife. Upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint, he was detained by officials and handed over to the Crime Branch.
• He was held for over 15 hours for questioning.
• He was served a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows police to question individuals suspected of minor offenses without immediate arrest.
• He was released later that day after recording his statement.
The Second Stoppage
Despite cooperating with the investigation and receiving verbal assurances that the LOC issued against him would be withdrawn, Dr. Patil was stopped again on January 19 while attempting to board an 8 am flight back to London.
Authorities informed him that while the LOC had been “downgraded,” he was still required for “further inquiry.” He has now been summoned for a second round of questioning on January 22.
The Complaint and Legal Basis
The police action stems from a complaint filed by BJP functionary Nikhil Bhamre, who manages the party’s social media accounts. Bhamre alleged that Patil posted “objectionable content” that tarnished the image of a senior party leader.
The Post in Question:
Patil wrote a post in Hindi regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which translated to: “Is it right to expose the youthful mischief of a 75-year-old man? Congress should feel ashamed—they have exposed Modi.”
Charges:
The complaint invokes Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section deals with publishing statements conducive to public mischief or false information inciting enmity between groups. It is a bailable offense punishable by up to three years in prison.
Diplomatic Intervention
As news of Dr. Patil’s travel ban spread, the British High Commission became involved. Patil confirmed that the British High Commissioner and MP Claire Hughes are monitoring the case. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is reportedly exploring avenues for intervention.
