A British doctor of Indian origin has been unable to return to the United Kingdom for over a month after Mumbai Police issued a lookout circular against him over a social media post concerning a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sangram Patil, who works with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), was stopped from boarding a London-bound flight from Mumbai on January 19 after authorities opened an investigation into alleged “objectionable content”.
Case registered under criminal provisions
Police said the case was filed based on a complaint by Nikhil Bhamre, who handles BJP’s social media in Maharashtra. The complaint alleged that Patil’s Facebook post could create hostility between groups supporting and opposing the BJP.
A case was registered under provisions of India’s criminal law relating to statements that could promote enmity between communities. The offence is bailable and carries a maximum sentence of up to three years.
Patil has denied the allegations, stating that his post was a “simple question” directed at government supporters and did not target any community.
Lookout circular and court challenge
According to Patil, he was questioned for over 18 hours across two sessions in January. He said he cooperated fully and requested that the lookout circular be withdrawn to allow him to return to his family and job in the UK.
Police, in an affidavit filed in court, said the investigation was at a “crucial stage” and argued that the possibility of a broader attempt to malign constitutional authorities could not be ruled out.
Patil has approached the court seeking quashing of the case and removal of travel restrictions. The matter is scheduled for hearing on February 27.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing consular support.