NRI YouTuber detained at Mumbai airport over alleged defamation of PM Modi
Dr. Sangram Patil, a UK-based Indian-origin social media critic, was stopped at Mumbai airport and held for over 15 hours after landing from London.
Authorities say it was because he allegedly posted content online that defamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a move triggered by a complaint from a BJP social media coordinator.
Why he was held—and what happened next
Patil's detention followed a Look Out Circular issued last month and an FIR based on allegedly defamatory posts.
He wasn't arrested due to his UK citizenship and was released after questioning, but must appear if called.
Opposition leaders quickly criticized the government's actions—one calling them "cowardly" and another accusing the government of "misusing power to throttle democracy."
Patil says he'll talk with his legal team before deciding next steps.