Behind Bars For His Post On ‘Operation Sindoor’, Arrest of Ashoka University Professor Sparks Free Speech Debate

Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a 42-year-old associate professor and head of the Political Science Department at Ashoka University, was arrested by Haryana Police on Sunday, from his Delhi residence. The arrest, which has ignited widespread condemnation, stems from his social media posts commenting on Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military operation targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK. The move has raised concerns about academic freedom and the boundaries of free speech in India.

The Haryana Police acted on two First Information Reports (FIRs) filed at Rai Police Station. One was lodged by Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW), who took suo-moto cognisance of Mahmudabad’s posts. The second complaint came from Yogesh Jatheri, a village sarpanch and general secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana. The FIRs invoke stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

* Section 152: Acts endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India.

* Section 353: Statements conducing to public mischief.

* Section 79: Deliberate actions aimed at insulting the modesty of a woman.

* Section 196(1): Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion.

* Section 197: Inciting armed rebellion or subversive activities.

* Section 299: Insulting religious beliefs.

The controversy centers on Mahmudabad’s Facebook post, where he described media briefings by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh on Operation Sindoor as “optics and hypocrisy” unless they translated into tangible action against communal violence. An excerpt from his post reads: “The optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it’s just hypocrisy.” The HSCW deemed these remarks disparaging to women in uniform and accused him of promoting communal disharmony.

Police Statement in Court: During the court hearing on May 18, the Haryana Police, represented by DCP (Crime) Narender Kadian, argued that Mahmudabad’s posts posed a “serious threat to national security” and could “incite communal unrest.” They sought two days of custody to investigate his social media activity, potential links to anti-national elements, and the intent behind his statements, citing the need to prevent further public mischief. The court granted the remand.

Mahmudabad, grandson of former Foreign Secretary Jagat S. Mehta, was produced before a court on May 18 and remanded to two days of police custody. He maintained that his comments were “misunderstood” and fell within his constitutional right to free speech. 

The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders like Mahua Moitra and Asaduddin Owaisi, as well as academic bodies, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association, which labeled the charges “baseless.” Ashoka University’s Faculty Association condemned the “calculated harassment,” alleging Mahmudabad was denied medication and communication during detention. 

TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweeted: “Arresting a professor for a thoughtful post is Modi’s New India. Free speech is dead, and academics are now targets. #AliKhanMahmudabad.” 

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi posted: “Haryana Police’s arrest of Dr. Ali Khan is a blatant attack on dissent. This is about silencing critique, not security. #FreeSpeech.” 

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate wrote: “Ali Khan Mahmudabad’s arrest for a post shows BJP’s intolerance. Scholars are jailed while hate-mongers roam free. #SaveDemocracy.”