Mumbai Police Alleges Organized Effort to Malign Constitutional Authority in High Court Submission
The Mumbai police has informed the Bombay High Court that there exists a larger organized effort aimed at maligning constitutional authority and disturbing public order. This statement was made while opposing a petition filed by UK-based doctor and YouTuber Sangram Patil, who was booked for a Facebook post targeting certain BJP leaders.
Foreign National's Activities Raise Serious Concerns
In its detailed reply submitted to the court, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) from the Crime Branch expressed serious concern regarding Patil's actions. The police highlighted that Patil, despite being a qualified medical professional visiting India on a tourist e-visa, engaged in posting what they described as defamatory, scandalous, obscene, and inflammatory material against the Prime Minister of India while residing outside the country.
The police emphasized that this material was posted without any substance or basis, warranting thorough investigation into the motivations behind such activities by a foreign citizen.
Timeline of Events and Legal Actions
The case originated with an FIR filed on December 18, following which authorities issued a lookout circular. On January 10, upon his arrival in India, Patil and his wife were intercepted at Mumbai airport. He was questioned based on a complaint filed by Nikhil Bhamre, the BJP's social media coordinator.
Subsequently, on January 19, Patil was prevented from leaving the country. In response, he approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash both the FIR and the lookout circular issued against him.
Coordinated Social Media Campaign Alleged
The police reply revealed that during the same period when Patil posted content against the Prime Minister, another Facebook account operating under the name Shahar Vikas Aghadi published material linking the PM with a woman accompanied by obscene remarks.
While Patil is a resident of Erandol in Jalgaon district, the holder of the Shahar Vikas Aghadi account is reportedly located in Chalisgaon. Investigation has indicated that both accounts were working in tandem with the common purpose of maligning and scandalizing the image of the Prime Minister.
Although Patil contended that his original post did not specifically name any BJP leader, the investigation uncovered that he had made numerous other posts that were also directed against the Prime Minister.
Investigation Obstruction Allegations
Authorities issued notices to Patil requiring him to join the investigation. However, according to the police, he failed to provide satisfactory or truthful answers to the questionnaire presented to him.
More significantly, Patil deliberately avoided submitting his mobile phone and other digital devices for forensic examination, which the police claim amounts to obstruction of investigation. He further refused to demonstrate access to his Facebook account, citing that the one-time password for login is received on a laptop located in the UK.
The police characterized this conduct as evasive in nature, raising reasonable suspicion of deliberate concealment and potential tampering or destruction of digital evidence.
Broader Investigation Objectives
The police submission outlined several crucial aspects requiring further investigation. These include determining whether Patil, as a foreign national, had any local assistance, collaboration, or handlers in India who facilitated or amplified the dissemination of content attacking the character and dignity of the Prime Minister.
Additionally, authorities seek to ascertain the true purpose of Patil's visit to India and whether his Facebook posting activities violate the terms of his tourist visa. The police expressed concern that if Patil were to leave India, it would become nearly impossible to secure his presence for completing the investigation, given his status as a British national.
Police Seek Dismissal of Petition
In conclusion, the Mumbai police urged the Bombay High Court to dismiss Patil's petition, describing it as misconceived and premature. They argued that the ongoing investigation requires Patil's continued presence in the country and that his petition attempts to circumvent proper legal procedures.
The case continues to unfold as the court examines these serious allegations against the foreign national and the broader implications for social media conduct and national security.
