Dr Sangram Patil Stopped at Mumbai Airport Again
London-based doctor and YouTuber Dr Sangram Patil, who was detained at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on January 10, was stopped once again at the airport on January 19 while trying to fly back to Manchester, UK.
Patil, a British national of Indian origin from Jalgaon, was prevented from boarding his flight due to a Look-Out Circular (LOC) issued after a complaint by the BJP IT Cell.
“I had planned to travel to Manchester, but immigration authorities stopped me based on the LOC. My wife and I are now held back in India, and our plans have been disrupted,” Patil said.
Background: First Detention on January 10
On January 10, Patil and his wife were detained for around 15 hours after landing in Mumbai. He claims to have fully cooperated with the investigating agencies, who had reportedly assured him that the LOC would be withdrawn following the questioning.
“I have been unnecessarily targeted despite cooperating with authorities. When I was detained, officers had promised to remove the LOC, but now my calls are going unanswered,” Patil added.
The Allegations
Patil is facing a criminal case for social media posts allegedly defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An FIR was registered on December 18 at NM Joshi Marg police station. The complaint claims that Patil’s posts were objectionable and could promote enmity or incite violence.
The complaint was filed by Nikhil Bhamre, social media coordinator for the Maharashtra BJP, who noticed the posts online and raised the issue with party leaders before approaching the police.
Patil’s Response
Dr Patil acknowledged posting the content but argued that it was within his democratic rights. He denied promoting violence or hatred.
“I will consult legal experts and take the matter to court if needed,” Patil said, stressing that his social media posts fall under freedom of expression.
Social Media Presence
Patil became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, building a substantial audience on platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). The FIR mentions that he has a large following and had posted several articles and remarks critical of BJP leaders.
Impact of the LOC
The Look-Out Circular prevents Patil from leaving India and has disrupted his travel plans. He told authorities in advance about his return date but claims he could not reach the officers afterward.
“I had informed them I would be returning on January 19, but now no one is responding,” he said.
Legal Perspective
Experts say that cases like Patil’s involve a balance between national security and freedom of expression. A LOC can legally stop someone from leaving the country while an investigation is ongoing, but repeated enforcement after assurances of withdrawal raises questions about procedure and accountability.
Wider Implications
The incident has drawn attention to freedom of speech on social media in India, especially for individuals with international ties. Critics argue that political complaints leading to criminal cases can be used to suppress dissent, while supporters of such actions cite the need to prevent defamatory or harmful content online.
Patil’s case also highlights the role of Look-Out Circulars in controlling movement during ongoing investigations, especially for high-profile social media figures.
What Happens Next
Patil plans to seek legal recourse to challenge the LOC and secure his travel. Meanwhile, the case remains under investigation at the NM Joshi Marg police station.
Authorities have yet to clarify when the LOC will be officially withdrawn or how long Patil will remain unable to leave the country.
