Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University, has been arrested following his controversial remarks on Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Mahmudabad, who heads the Political Science Department at Ashoka University, was taken into custody in Delhi after a complaint was filed by Yogesh Jatheri, a leader of the BJP Yuva Morcha. His remarks, posted on social media on May 8, criticized the celebration surrounding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who led media briefings on the strikes. He described the briefings as “optics”, arguing that symbolic gestures must translate into real change on the ground.
Legal and Institutional Response
Mahmudabad’s arrest follows a notice issued by the Haryana State Commission for Women, which accused him of disparaging women officers in the Indian Armed Forces and promoting communal disharmony. The Commission highlighted his remarks about Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, stating that they undermined the role of women in uniform.
Ashoka University responded to the incident, stating: “We have been made aware that Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case. The University will continue to cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation, fully.”
Mahmudabad’s Defense
In response to the controversy, Mahmudabad defended his comments, stating that they had been misinterpreted. He argued that his remarks were intended to promote peace and harmony, while also applauding the Indian Armed Forces for their resolute action. He further accused the Commission of censorship and harassment, calling the proceedings against him a “new form of suppression”.
Background and Political Connections
Mahmudabad, a historian and political scientist, has previously been associated with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. He is the grandson of the last ruling Raja of Mahmudabad, a key financier of the Muslim League before Partition. His family has been involved in legal battles over ancestral properties seized under the Enemy Properties Act.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation into Mahmudabad’s remarks, with legal experts debating the implications of his social media statements on freedom of speech and national security. His arrest has sparked discussions on academic freedom, with some scholars expressing concerns over the criminalization of political discourse.
