Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University and head of its political science department, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody following his arrest over a controversial social media post related to Operation Sindoor — India’s recent military offensive targeting terror camps in Pakistan in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
The arrest, carried out on Sunday, came after the post was widely perceived as critical of the Indian armed forces and allegedly disrespectful towards two women officers — Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh — who played leading roles in public briefings on the military operation.
While the Haryana Police had sought a seven-day custodial remand to interrogate the professor further, a Sonepat court denied the request and instead sent Mahmudabad to judicial custody for 14 days.
The case against Mahmudabad originated from a complaint filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Haryana. Additionally, the Haryana State Commission for Women filed a separate case against him. The professor has been booked under charges related to endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India.
In the social media post that sparked the controversy, Mahmudabad described the media briefings delivered by Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as "optics" and accused them of representing "hypocrisy" unless real change accompanied the symbolism.
He further suggested that those praising the two women officers — particularly right-wing commentators — should also speak out against incidents of mob lynching and the demolition of homes carried out without due legal process.
One portion of his post read: “The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings are important, but optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it's just hypocrisy.”
In response to the backlash, Mahmudabad defended his remarks, asserting that his words were misinterpreted. He insisted that his post was a legitimate expression under the constitutional right to free speech and was never intended to undermine the armed forces or demean any individual.
Following his arrest, Mahmudabad has moved the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of his detention. The apex court is expected to hear the matter on Wednesday.
The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from several political parties and civil society groups. Leaders from opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), called the arrest “deplorable” and “utterly condemnable,” accusing the government of stifling dissent and academic freedom.
The Ashoka University Faculty Association also issued a strong statement demanding Mahmudabad’s immediate and unconditional release. The association described him as a "dedicated academic" committed to communal harmony, social justice, and public service. "Everyone in the Ashoka community can vouch for his integrity, empathy, and relentless efforts to educate and support others," the faculty's statement read.
Meanwhile, a number of students from the university have come out in support of Mahmudabad, describing his arrest as a “stark violation” of academic freedom and intellectual independence. Protests and social media campaigns have been launched, calling for his release and protection of academic expression in the country.
Also Read: SC agrees to hear plea of Ashoka varsity professor against arrest
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