Mumbai: UK citizen and YouTuber Sangram Patil, who was booked for his Facebook posts against some BJP leaders, has filed an undertaking before the Bombay High Court to fully cooperate with the investigation. His Jalgaon-based parents also undertook to ensure he returns to India and remains present for investigation.
"I undertake that I shall not evade or avoid the process of law and shall participate in the investigation proceedings in good faith and as required," Patil stated in his April 24 affidavit.
Patil, 49, was intercepted at Mumbai airport on arrival on January 10 by Mumbai police and questioned at NM Joshi Marg police station. On January 19, he was stopped from leaving the country, citing a December 18 FIR and a lookout circular. On April 15, the HC sought undertakings from Patil and his parents.
Patil, who is employed as a consultant doctor in the National Health Service, said, "Travelling back to India requires reasonable prior intimation to enable compliance without compromising my professional duties and obligations." However, 15 days' prior notice is sufficient for him to travel to India and join the investigation. He said such notice should be served upon him "through proper mode including, but not limited to, email and/or my last known residential address" in the UK. Upon receiving it, he shall make "all reasonable arrangements without giving any reason to travel to India and join the investigation."
Patil said he is filing the undertaking "solely in compliance" with the HC direction and to "demonstrate my bona fide intention to cooperate with the investigation and to travel to the UK to resume my professional duties." Further, the undertaking "should not be construed as an admission of any allegations, liability, or guilt whatsoever and all my rights and contentions in the pending petition are expressly reserved." HC will hear the matter on May 5.
