Indian authorities have detained a notable academic following a social media post that criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its biased policies towards Muslims and questioned the recent military briefings regarding operations against Pakistan.
This incident comes on the heels of a military clash between Pakistan and India, sparked by accusations from New Delhi regarding a deadly incident in the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University in Haryana, was arrested in New Delhi on Sunday, according to local reports. His detention occurred over a week after both countries, both equipped with nuclear weapons, agreed to a ceasefire.
Authorities stated that Mahmudabad, 42, was charged under various sections of the criminal code pertaining to actions that threaten communal harmony, inciting armed rebellion, and insulting religious beliefs.
The case was initiated following a complaint from Yogesh Jatheri, the general secretary of the BJP’s youth wing in Haryana, as reported by Indian media outlets.
In a post made on May 8, Mahmudabad, who heads the university’s political science department, pointed out the irony of right-wing commentators praising Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who conducted the military briefings.
He remarked, “Maybe they could also vocally advocate for the protection of victims of mob violence, arbitrary demolitions, and others targeted by the BJP’s hate speech, as they are also Indian citizens.”
“Though it is significant for two women soldiers to present their findings, such optics must lead to real-world change; otherwise, it’s mere hypocrisy,” he remarked.
Mahmudabad highlighted, “The lived experiences of ordinary Muslims starkly contrast with the narratives the government presents. Yet, the press conference indicates that the idea of a diverse and united India is not entirely lost.”
The Haryana State Commission for Women summoned the professor, claiming his remarks were disrespectful to female officers and could incite communal conflict.
In defense of his statement on platform X, Mahmudabad asserted that his comments were misinterpreted, emphasizing his intention to advocate for the safety of both soldiers and civilians. He dismissed allegations of misogyny as unfounded.
In February of the previous year, Amnesty International called on the Indian government to halt the “unjust targeting and demolition of Muslim properties.”
Agnes Callamard, Amnesty’s secretary-general, stated, “The illegal demolition of Muslim properties by Indian authorities, framed as ‘bulldozer justice’ by politicians and media, is cruel and reprehensible. This type of displacement is fundamentally unjust, illegal, and discriminatory. It is tearing apart families and must cease immediately.”
She continued, “The authorities have consistently undermined the rule of law by destroying homes, businesses, and places of worship through systematic campaigns driven by hatred, harassment, and violence.”
Additionally, travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra and five others from Punjab and Haryana were apprehended over alleged espionage for Pakistan, according to Indian media reports.
Far-right Hindus in India have been implicated in lynchings of Muslims and have attempted to regulate interfaith relationships. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned cow vigilante killings, his administration has taken little action to curtail the activities of such groups.
