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UK-Based Doctor Detained at Mumbai Airport Over BJP Defamation FIR, Questioned and Released

He has been directed to appear before investigators under a BNSS notice.

Overview

  • Police detained Dr Sangram Patil on arrival from London after a Look Out Circular was issued following an FIR at NM Joshi Marg police station based on a complaint by BJP media cell functionary Nikhil Bhamre.
  • Patil and his wife were held around 2 a.m. for hours of questioning and later released with a notice under section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to join the probe.
  • The FIR invokes section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning false statements that could promote enmity, which carries a maximum three-year sentence.
  • Police say the disputed posts included derogatory or sexually explicit content about BJP leaders, and the content has been blocked during the investigation.
  • Opposition leaders condemned the detention as intolerance toward criticism, while police said the case remains under investigation.