New Delhi, May 18, 2025: Indian academic and political science professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested in New Delhi for a social media post critical of recent Indian military actions against Pakistan, drawing widespread condemnation from civil society groups and free speech advocates.
The arrest follows a complaint lodged by a youth leader from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as reported by local media. Authorities confirmed that Mahmudabad was detained under legal provisions related to promoting enmity, inciting rebellion, and offending religious sentiments.
The charges stem from a Facebook post dated May 8, in which Mahmudabad criticized the media optics surrounding Operation Sindoor—India’s cross-border military strikes targeting Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, launched on May 6. His post referenced media briefings conducted by Colonel Sofiya Qureishi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, highlighting what he described as selective outrage and systemic neglect of domestic human rights abuses.
“I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophia Qureishi,” Mahmudabad wrote, “but perhaps they could also demand that the victims of mob lynchings and arbitrary bulldozing be protected as Indian citizens.”
The Haryana State Commission for Women subsequently issued a summons, alleging that the remarks demeaned women in the armed forces and incited communal discord.
Mahmudabad, who is also a noted public commentator, has defended his post, stating that his words were misrepresented. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “There is nothing remotely misogynistic about my comments. If anything, they were about safeguarding the lives of both citizens and soldiers.”
The arrest has sparked backlash from academics, rights groups, and international observers. In an open letter released Friday, over 1,200 academics, activists, and public figures expressed solidarity with Mahmudabad, calling his arrest “an attack on academic freedom and democratic dissent.”
“Prof. Khan praised the strategic restraint of the armed forces,” the letter noted, “and highlighted the importance of women officers’ representation while questioning the political framing of the conflict.”
Amnesty International has previously denounced what it calls “unjust targeted demolitions” of Muslim homes in India, describing such actions as “cruel and appalling.” Rights groups argue that Mahmudabad’s arrest reflects a broader trend of silencing dissent, particularly among Muslim intellectuals.
The incident comes days after a tense military standoff between India and Pakistan concluded with a ceasefire agreement on May 10. According to Pakistani officials, at least 31 civilians were killed in Indian strikes, while India reported 15 casualties in Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks.
The Modi government has faced increasing scrutiny over restrictions on free speech and the suppression of dissent. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly condemned mob lynchings in the past, critics say the government has done little to prevent such violence or hold perpetrators accountable.
Ashoka University, where Mahmudabad teaches, has not yet issued an official statement regarding his arrest.
