Archive · 20 Jan 2026
British Doctor Detained at Mumbai Airport
A British doctor named Dr. Sangram Patil was stopped at Mumbai Airport while trying to return to the UK.
He had been questioned earlier by the police for posting critical comments about the BJP on social media.
Despite cooperating with the investigation, he was not allowed to leave the country due to an active Look Out Circular.
The case has sparked discussions about free speech and fairness in legal procedures.
The complaint was filed by a BJP social media convenor, alleging that the posts were derogatory and hateful towards national leaders and the BJP.
Dr. Sangram Patil, a British NHS consultant, was detained at Mumbai Airport on January 19, 2024, while attempting to return to the UK.
He had been questioned by Mumbai Police on January 10 regarding a Facebook post critical of the BJP.
Despite assurances, a Look Out Circular prevented him from leaving the country.
The case is being investigated under the Information Technology Act, initiated by a complaint from a BJP social media convenor.
The incident has raised concerns about free expression and procedural fairness.
- Who
- Dr. Sangram Patil, a British citizen and NHS UK consultant
- What
- Detention and prevention from leaving India due to a Look Out Circular
- When
- January 10 and January 19, 2024
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- Allegations of derogatory and hateful social media posts against national leaders and the BJP
- Name
- Dr. Sangram Patil
- Occupation
- NHS UK consultant
- Date of Detention
- January 10, 2024
- Date of Airport Stop
- January 19, 2024
- Complainant
- Nikhil Shamrao Bhamre
- Investigating Body
- Mumbai Crime Branch
- Legal Basis
- Information Technology Act
