The Mumbai Police detained a British national of Indian origin, Dr. Sangram Patil, upon his arrival at the city's airport on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The detention was linked to a First Information Report (FIR) filed against him last month for allegedly sharing objectionable and sexually explicit content targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders from his social media accounts while he was in the United Kingdom.
The Airport Detention and Legal Procedure
Dr. Patil, a medical professional originally from Jalgaon, was returning to India with his wife when authorities stopped him. The action was based on a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued by the police following the registration of the FIR. He was taken to a police station for further questioning.
However, he was not placed under arrest. Instead, the police followed Supreme Court guidelines which advise against arrest for offences carrying a punishment of less than seven years. An official notice under section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was issued to him, directing him to cooperate with the investigation at a later date. After receiving this notice, Dr. Patil was allowed to leave.
Details of the FIR and the Allegations
The FIR was registered at the NM Joshi Marg police station. It was based on a complaint filed by Nikhil Bhamre, who is involved in managing the BJP's social media presence and online activities. In his statement, Bhamre accused Dr. Patil of publishing posts that contained:
- Objectionable remarks and disinformation about the BJP and its prominent leaders.
- Sexually explicit content concerning a woman.
Bhamre alleged that the posts were shared with the intention of spreading misinformation. He provided screenshots of the contentious content to the police, which led to the formal registration of the case.
The police have invoked Section 353(2) of the BNS in the FIR. This section deals with statements containing false information that could foster feelings of enmity and hatred between different communities. The offence under this section carries a maximum imprisonment of three years. Following the FIR, the controversial content was blocked by the authorities.
Context and Implications
This incident highlights the increasing legal scrutiny of online speech in India, especially content perceived as targeting political figures or communities. The use of a Look Out Circular to intercept an individual at an international airport underscores the seriousness with which such cyber complaints are being treated by law enforcement.
The police's decision to issue a notice rather than make an immediate arrest reflects adherence to judicial directives aimed at preventing unnecessary detention for less severe offences. The case will proceed as Dr. Patil is expected to join the investigation as per the notice served to him.
