Here at One Network Wellington Live, we’re digging into a story that’s rippling from Auckland down to Wellington this week. An Auckland-based doctor, Sapna Samant, has had her Indian citizenship visa pulled, and, frankly, it’s kicking up a storm about free speech that’s hitting us hard here in the capital. So, let’s unpack what’s happened, because it’s a tale of criticism, crackdowns, and a Kiwi caught in the fray.

It all started on Monday, March 24, 2025, when India’s High Commission told Sapna her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) visa was finished. She’s an Auckland doc, working up at Auckland City Hospital, raising her family, and calling NZ home. Originally born in India, she’s kept ties with this visa—it lets her travel there easily and own property. But now, that’s gone, and why? Because she’s been vocal about India’s government, and they’ve hit back fast.

So, what’s she been saying? Well, Sapna’s been slamming India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his conservative crew. She’s called out their treatment of Sikhs, Muslims, and minorities—always peacefully, she insists, and definitely within the law. However, India’s not buying it. They reckon her words “cause disharmony” in society, and they’ve pointed to her X posts, YouTube clips, a Green Party website chat, and a radio interview on Auckland’s 95bFM. In that chat, she said Modi’s nationalist Hindutva movement echoes 1920s fascism. Clearly, it’s strong stuff, and it’s cost her dearly.

Now, here’s the wild bit—she’s thought to be the first person in Australasia, meaning NZ and Australia, to get targeted like this by Modi’s lot. So, it’s a first, and although it’s unfolding in Auckland, it’s shaking Wellington too. We’re a city that loves a good shout—think protests up Cuba Street or rows in Parliament—so when an overseas government silences a Kiwi doc, it feels close. Sure, Sapna’s not one of ours, but her work up north still touches Wellington—patients travel, doctors network, and her voice carries down here.

Naturally, she’s gutted. “I grew up in a vibrant democracy where you could critique the government,” she said from her Auckland home, probably with the Sky Tower looming nearby. “It makes me incredibly sad to see this is where we are today.” Then, she’s called on NZ’s government to step in—because Prime Minister Christopher Luxon just got back from Delhi, meeting Modi. She wants him to back her up, to shield her right to speak as a Kiwi, and, honestly, Wellington’s wondering if he’ll listen.

But, here’s the catch—the timing’s a mess. Luxon was in India last week, all chummy with Modi, talking trade—apples and timber to India’s 1.4 billion punters. Then, he lands back in Wellington, and this hits. So, does he side with India and let them punish a Kiwi? Or, alternatively, does he stand up for free speech, even if it risks a trade spat? It’s a tricky spot, and we’re watching closely from the capital, where India’s High Commission sits on Willis Street, right in our backyard.

Moreover, that High Commission didn’t hold back. They sent Sapna a letter saying her comments could stir trouble—not just in India, but here too. They can revoke OCI visas if they think someone’s against India’s interests, and, clearly, they’ve done it. She’s not deported—she’s a NZ citizen—but losing the OCI means she’s stuck jumping hoops to visit India, and her family ties there are knotted up now.

So, Wellington’s buzzing with this. At Vic Books on Kelburn Parade, students were yakking over coffee. “It’s dodgy,” one reckoned. “She’s a Kiwi—India can’t shut her up.” Then, down the waterfront, a runner said, “Luxon better not flake—we don’t bow to foreign rules.” Even cabbies on Lambton Quay chimed in: “She’s got a right to speak—Modi’s not our boss.” Up north, Sapna’s hospital mates are fuming too—a nurse told us, “She’s brilliant, cares heaps—this is unfair.” Meanwhile, the Greens, who hosted her online, called it “an attack on democracy” and want Luxon on it quick.

Then, there’s the bigger picture. Sapna grew up in an India where dissent was normal—protests in Mumbai, debates in the papers. But now, Modi’s changed that, she says, cracking down on critics, even abroad. Wellington gets that—because we’ve got our own history of speaking out, from climate marches to council gripes. So, if India can reach across and gag an Auckland doc, what’s it mean for us? For instance, her 95bFM chat dug into Hindutva’s roots—nationalism with a hard edge—and India tracked her X posts too, sharp jabs at minority policies. It’s all legal, not riot-stirring—just a Kiwi with an opinion.

Now, Luxon’s got a choice. He’s fresh off promising to protect our rights, but Modi’s trade deals are tempting. Plus, Wellington’s India community—curry joints on Courtenay Place, Diwali at TSB Arena—is growing, and trade’s worth heaps. So, will he risk it for an Auckland doc? Or, perhaps, will he draw a line—NZ doesn’t cop foreign gag orders? We’re waiting to find out.

Up in Auckland, Sapna’s not backing down. “I’ve always been peaceful,” she said, maybe with the Waitematā Harbour in sight. “I’m not a threat—I’m just speaking my mind.” She’s got lawyers on it, but, really, she’s banking on Luxon. “He needs to show India we value free speech,” she added. And Wellington agrees—it’s our vibe too.

Meanwhile, the city’s rallying. Sure, some say hush up, keep the trade flowing—“We need their cash,” a Featherston Street market bloke grumbled. But most are with her. For example, at the Cable Car lookout, even tourists piped up—“That’s not on,” an Aussie said. “Tell India to sod off.” Then, a local fire station boss near the hospital network joked, “We’d fight for her, but we’re stuck in traffic half the time.” It’s light, but it shows she’s part of NZ’s fabric—and Wellington feels that deep.

So, what’s next? Sapna’s pushing to keep her OCI—courts or Luxon might help. India’s gone quiet since the letter, and, meanwhile, we’re waiting on Luxon’s move. The Greens are planning a rally outside Parliament this weekend, and, already, X is popping off—hashtags like #StandWithSapna are spreading. For now, she’s at Auckland City Hospital, still a mum, still a Kiwi. But this hits Wellington too—it’s a free speech wake-up call, and, honestly, we’re asking: what’s our play? We’ll keep you posted—this isn’t over.