UK-based NHS doctor Dr Sangram Patil barred from leaving India since January 2026 over Facebook post criticising BJP leader.
UK Doctor Stranded in Mumbai Over Facebook Post:
MUMBAI: A UK-based Indian-origin doctor who works for Britain’s National Health Service remains trapped in Mumbai after immigration officials stopped him from boarding a flight home, citing an active police lookout circular tied to a Facebook post about a senior BJP figure.
Dr. Sangram Patil, a British national and popular YouTuber, was prevented from leaving on January 19 and has now spent weeks unable to rejoin his family and job in the UK. The case has sparked fresh debate over free speech, social media regulation and the use of travel restrictions against foreign citizens.
Patil, who holds a tourist e-visa and travelled to India for a personal visit, says the action is unlawful and amounts to harassment for expressing political opinion. Police insist the investigation is at a critical stage and involves potentially inflammatory content.
Case Timeline and Core Dispute:
Dr. Sangram Patil, a UK-based doctor, arrived in Mumbai with his wife in early January. He was questioned by Mumbai Police on January 10 and 16, and on January 19 was stopped from leaving India due to an active lookout circular.
The issue stems from a Facebook post Patil made on December 14, 2025, allegedly referencing a supposed scandal involving Prime Minister Modi and criticizing “BJP andh bhakts.” Police described the post as “indecent and salacious,” while Patil says it was a simple political question without naming the Prime Minister.
The complaint, filed by BJP Maharashtra’s social media head, led to an FIR on December 18 under laws against promoting enmity between communities, carrying up to three years’ imprisonment.
Patil has cooperated but argues in the Bombay High Court that the post is protected political speech and that police are “criminalising political speech.” Police counter that the investigation is at a “crucial stage,” noting his use of foreign IPs and incomplete account access, warning of potential attempts to “malign constitutional authority.”
Indian Law, Social Media, and Diaspora Voices Under Scrutiny:
Lookout circulars are a standard Indian law-enforcement tool used to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving the country. They are frequently applied in economic offences, serious crimes and, increasingly, certain social media cases involving alleged defamation or threats to public order.
India has tightened rules on online speech in recent years through the Information Technology Rules and provisions in the new criminal code. Critics argue these are sometimes used to stifle dissent, particularly criticism of the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Modi. Supporters say they protect public harmony in a diverse nation where inflammatory content can quickly escalate.
Dr Patil, originally from Jalgaon in Maharashtra, built a significant online following commenting on Indian politics from the UK. His case highlights the long arm of Indian law over diaspora voices-even British citizens-when they post from abroad but visit India.
The incident also raises consular questions for the UK, whose citizens are occasionally caught in similar travel restrictions. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed it is supporting Patil and in contact with Indian authorities, but has stopped short of public criticism.