Mumbai Police Suspects Organised Effort in UK Doctor's Social Media Case
The Mumbai Police have strongly opposed a plea filed by UK-based doctor and YouTuber Sangram Patil, challenging an FIR and Look Out Circular issued against him. In an affidavit submitted to the Bombay High Court, the police asserted that the investigation is at a critical stage and cannot rule out the possibility of an organised effort to malign constitutional authority.
Details of the Case and Police Allegations
Patil, a British national of Indian origin, was detained on January 10 upon his arrival at Mumbai International Airport and subsequently prevented from leaving India. The police have raised serious concerns about his activities, particularly his social media posts while residing outside the country.
According to the affidavit filed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Raj Tilak Roushan, Patil allegedly posted objectionable content against BJP leaders on Facebook. The police emphasized that further investigation is required to understand why a foreign citizen, visiting India on a Tourist E Visa, engaged in such actions.
Key Points from the Police Affidavit:- The investigation has revealed multiple posts by Patil against the Prime Minister of India, indicating a pattern of behavior.
- There is a prima facie assessment suggesting coordinated operation with another Facebook account, both located in Jalgaon district, hinting at common authorship or conspiracy.
- Patil failed to provide satisfactory answers to a questionnaire and avoided submitting his digital devices for forensic examination, obstructing the probe.
- He continued to post derogatory content even after arriving in India, and his refusal to grant access to his Facebook account raises suspicions of evidence tampering.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Status
The FIR was registered on December 18 at NM Joshi Marg police station based on a complaint by BJP media cell functionary Nikhil Bhamre. Bhamre alleged that Patil shared disinformation against BJP leaders on social media. The police have informed the court that the investigation is at a crucial cyber-forensic stage, with efforts underway to obtain information from Meta Platforms regarding the posts in question.
Patil, represented by senior advocate Sudeep Pasbola, has argued that the FIR and LOC are illegal and arbitrary. However, the police have sought dismissal of his plea, describing it as misconceived and premature. They highlighted that if Patil leaves for the UK, it would be nearly impossible to secure his presence for the investigation, given his British nationality.
The case underscores the complexities of balancing free speech with national security concerns in the digital age.As the Bombay High Court reviews the matter, the outcome could set significant precedents for handling similar cases involving foreign nationals and social media content in India.
