Ashoka University Professor Arrested Over Operation Sindoor Remarks; Teachers’ Unions Demand Case Withdrawal

Initial Coverage

For his comments on social media about India's military campaign "Operation Sindoor" against terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University in Haryana, was placed under custody. His remarks garnered a lot of attention and led to government action, especially when it came to the female officers who participated in the operation's media briefings.

Following the Haryana State Commission for Women's suo motu cognisance of Mahmudabad's posts, the arrest was made. The Commission sent out a letter alleging that his comments could incite hostilities between communities and diminished the role of female officers in the military.

"Ali Khan Mahmudabad, associate professor at a private university in Haryana, was taken into custody for his statements related to Operation Sindoor," a police officer confirmed to PTI, confirming the arrest.

Mahmudabad has defended himself by claiming that his remarks were misunderstood and do not represent prejudice against any community or misogyny. "The screenshots attached to the notice make it clear that my remarks have been completely misunderstood and that the Commission has no jurisdiction whatsoever in the matter," he said in a thorough statement that was posted on X (previously Twitter) in response to the accusations.

He added that rather than disparaging military troops, his remarks were meant to encourage diversity and inclusiveness. "While the Women's Commission is a valuable organisation, the summons I received does not make clear how my position violates women's rights or laws," he wrote.

Mahmudabad noted that, as a positive representation of India's diversity, he had expressly acknowledged and valued the choice of Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi to speak at the news briefing on Operation Sindoor. "I even praised right-wingers who backed Colonel Qureshi and urged them to adopt the same mindset for regular Indian Muslims who are persecuted and demonised every day."

He maintained that nothing in his remarks could be interpreted as disparaging women and that his remarks were based on concern for both civilian and military lives. "Moreover, my remarks are not in the least bit misogynistic or anti-women," he added.

Update: Teachers' Bodies Condemn Arrest of Ashoka Professor

Teachers' organisations, including JNUTA, DTF, and DTI, have condemned the arrest of M.A.A. Khan, associate professor at Ashoka University, over a Facebook post, calling it an attack on academic freedom and free speech.

JNUTA said Khan's religious identity appeared to play a role in his targeting and criticised the women's commission for acting on an "absurd interpretation" of his remarks. "Any reasonable reading of his statements shows he did not disrespect the armed forces, promote communal disharmony, or threaten national integrity," it stated, adding that his views were in line with the responsibilities of an academic.

The organisation also expressed concern over the inaction against a Madhya Pradesh minister whose controversial remarks on Colonel Qureshi were criticised by both the Supreme Court and a high court.

DTF said slapping charges related to endangering sovereignty amounted to criminalising dissent. "His concerns about communal polarisation and marginalised communities reflect constitutional values," it said.

DTI echoed the criticism, calling the case an assault on academic freedom.

Background: Operation Sindoor

India launched "Operation Sindoor" in the early hours of May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 22 people dead, most of them tourists. The Indian response included coordinated strikes by the armed forces, with media briefings led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

The Controversy

The controversy surrounding Mahmudabad's remarks stems from a Facebook post referenced in the notice from the Haryana State Commission for Women. In it, he wrote, "I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophia Qureishi but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing, and others who are victims of the BJP's hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens."

Authorities viewed this as an attempt to discredit national security operations and accused Mahmudabad of politicizing the role of the armed forces. The Commission described his statements as harmful to both national unity and gender representation in military affairs.

Mahmudabad, however, continues to insist that the charges against him are an attempt to silence dissent and censor critical thought. The investigation is ongoing, and the professor remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

Note: This article was updated to include statements from teachers' unions JNUTA, DTF, and DTI, which condemned the arrest and called for the case to be withdrawn.