British Doctor Prevented from Leaving India at Mumbai Airport
A British national of Indian origin faced travel restrictions at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Monday. Dr. Sangram Patil, a UK-based doctor, was stopped from boarding his flight to the United Kingdom. Immigration officials informed him that a Look Out Circular remained active against his name.
Police Confirm Downgraded Look Out Circular
Mumbai Police officials confirmed they had issued a "downgraded" Look Out Circular against Patil. This circular prevents him from leaving India while investigations continue. An official explained the situation clearly.
"The earlier LOC against him was 'detain and inform' when he was in the UK," the official stated. "After airport authorities detained him upon his arrival in Mumbai, we downgraded the LOC to 'prevent and inform.' Immigration officials cannot allow him to leave the country under these circumstances."
Ongoing Investigation into Social Media Activity
Police suspect Patil operated multiple social media accounts. These accounts allegedly posted objectionable content targeting BJP leaders. The investigation focuses on determining his exact involvement.
"We suspect he ran both his personal account and a generic account," the official revealed. "Both accounts posted sexually explicit content against BJP leaders. Our technical probe continues. We cannot allow him to leave India during this investigation. We fear he might not return to face legal proceedings."
The official emphasized their readiness for legal challenges. "He can contest this in court. We have prepared our response."
Doctor Alleges Police Harassment
When contacted, Dr. Patil expressed frustration with the situation. He claimed police had given him contradictory assurances about his travel plans.
"Police detained me for fifteen hours on January 10 when I flew to Mumbai," Patil recounted. "They promised to reverse the Look Out Circular after I appeared before them on January 16. I recorded my statement that day for nearly eight hours. They assured me I could leave on January 19."
Patil described his airport experience. "Unfortunately, I discovered today that the LOC remains active. My wife and I had to return home from the airport. We could not board our flight."
The doctor alleged systematic harassment by authorities. "Police called me again today. They want me to appear before them on January 22. I have already given detailed statements twice about a single sentence post. Something suspicious is happening here. They are clearly trying to harass me."
Patil confirmed he seeks legal counsel. "I am taking advice about approaching the court."
Background of the Case
Patil originally hails from Jalgaon. He returned to India from the UK with his wife on January 10. Airport authorities detained him based on an existing Look Out Notice.
Police brought him to the station for questioning. They issued a notice requiring his participation in future investigations. Patil faces charges under section 353(2) of the BNS.
This section addresses statements containing false information that could create enmity between communities. The maximum punishment under this provision is three years imprisonment.
Police blocked the objectionable content following FIR registration. The case originated from a complaint by Nikhil Bhamre. Bhamre manages social media accounts and online activity for the BJP.
In his statement to NM Joshi Marg police station, Bhamre described discovering problematic content. He found posts on the Shehar Vikas Aghadi Facebook page from December 14.
Bhamre alleged the posts contained objectionable material and disinformation about BJP leaders. The complaint mentioned inappropriate content regarding a woman. Bhamre further claimed Patil shared these posts to spread misinformation.
