Mumbai Police Investigates British Doctor for Alleged Defamatory Posts Against PM Modi
Overview of the Investigation
The Mumbai Police has asserted that British physician Sangram Patil's trip to India on a tourist visa, along with his social media activities, is part of a broader, organized initiative aimed at disseminating defamatory content about Prime Minister Narendra Modi while residing abroad.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Raj Tilak Roushan detailed this situation in an affidavit submitted to the Bombay High Court, labeling it a matter of significant concern.
This affidavit was a response to a criminal writ petition filed by Patil, who is also known for his content creation, seeking to annul a first information report (FIR) and a lookout circular issued against him due to “objectionable” posts regarding leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A lookout circular is a tool used by law enforcement to monitor individuals entering or exiting the country who may be wanted by the police.
Details of the FIR and Allegations
The FIR against Patil, who has Indian roots, was initiated following a complaint from BJP leader Nikhil Bhamre. In December, Bhamre accused Patil of intentionally posting defamatory and misleading content about the Hindutva party and its leaders, claiming that such online statements could incite animosity and hatred among different groups.
Patil's YouTube channel boasts over 400,000 subscribers and 56 million views, while his Facebook page has more than 100,000 followers. His content spans various subjects, including political commentary, with some posts critical of the Modi administration.
On January 10, Patil was detained at Mumbai airport in connection with the derogatory online posts about the BJP but was subsequently released after being instructed to participate in the investigation.
Patil's Legal Challenge
In his court petition contesting the FIR and lookout circular, Patil argues that he is being politically targeted and that the legal actions against him represent a misuse of criminal law to stifle dissenting opinions.
He has requested the court to quash the FIR and circular, halt further investigations, provide protection from coercive measures, and allow him to return to the UK.
The police, in their affidavit, defended their investigation, claiming that Patil has not fully cooperated and has avoided providing devices and credentials for forensic examination.
Police Concerns and Investigation Scope
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) emphasized the need for an investigation into why a foreign national, despite being a qualified medical professional in India on a tourist visa, was involved in posting allegedly scandalous and obscene content about Modi from abroad.
The affidavit noted that the possibility of these actions being part of a larger, organized effort to undermine constitutional authority and disrupt public order cannot be dismissed.
Authorities are attempting to determine the “true purpose” of Patil’s visit to India, including whether he breached the terms of his tourist visa.
The affidavit further stated that it is crucial to investigate if Patil, as a foreign national, had any local accomplices or collaborators in India who aided in the dissemination of such content on social media, particularly content that directly attacks the Prime Minister's character and dignity.
The police indicated that Patil's presence in India is necessary, as tracking him would be challenging once he returns to the UK.
Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) claimed that Patil continued to post derogatory and inflammatory content from his account even after arriving in India.