Haryana— Ashoka University political-science professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was taken into police custody on Saturday after social-media remarks he made about India’s recently announced counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, drew official complaints, reported the Roznamakhabrein.
According to reports carried by Hindustan Times, Mahmudabad was arrested on the basis of posts referencing militant groups based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. His lawyer confirmed the detention to Scroll.
The move comes days after the Haryana State Commission for Women issued a suo-motu notice, arguing that the professor’s remarks “harmed the reputation of women officers in the Indian armed forces and fanned communal tensions.”
In a statement released on X , Mahmudabad said his comments had been “grossly misinterpreted” and contended that the women’s commission had no jurisdiction over the matter. “Nothing in my posts is derogatory toward women officers, nor does it violate any law,” he wrote.
Mahmudabad added that he had praised Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for representing India’s diversity at the military’s recent press briefing. He also urged right-wing supporters “to extend the same support to ordinary Indian Muslims who face daily demonisation.”
Operation Sindoor was announced earlier this month as a targeted campaign against alleged cross-border militant networks. The inclusion of two senior women officers at the operation’s launch received widespread attention.
The arrest has sparked debate over academic freedom and the limits of online speech in India. As of press time, police have not released formal charges.
