London-Based YouTuber Sangram Patil Barred at Mumbai Airport; LOC Issued Following BJP IT Cell Complaint

Mumbai: London-based doctor and YouTuber Sangram Patil was stopped at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, on Monday while attempting to return to Manchester with his wife. Immigration authorities denied him boarding after a Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued against him by the Mumbai Police following a complaint by BJP IT Cell official Nikhil Bhamre. Patil, a British citizen of Indian origin from Jalgaon, is facing a defamation case for allegedly criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Detained Even After Landing Earlier
Sangram Patil told a news agency that he was informed at the airport about the active LOC, which prevented him from leaving India. He claimed that the Crime Branch had summoned him on 16 January, and he had submitted written responses to all questions that day. On 10 January, Patil and his wife had also been held in custody for nearly 15 hours immediately after landing in Mumbai, where they were interrogated by Crime Branch Unit-III. He stated that he cooperated fully with the authorities and had been assured at that time that the LOC would be withdrawn after the inquiry.

Claims Freedom of Movement and Expression Violated
Patil emphasized that his social media posts merely questioned government actions and did not spread any fake news. Despite this, a case was filed against him under a serious section of law. He is now unable to return to his home in London and remains stranded in India with his wife. Patil expressed concerns that these police actions are restricting his freedom of movement and his right to freedom of expression.