Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University, was arrested in New Delhi on Sunday after posting criticism of the Indian government’s treatment of Muslims and remarks questioning the military’s recent media briefings on the conflict with Pakistan.
His arrest comes days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following a brief but intense military standoff triggered by an attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Indian authorities have charged Mahmudabad under criminal code sections relating to communal disharmony, incitement of rebellion, and disrespect of religious beliefs.
The case was registered after a complaint from the BJP’s youth wing secretary in Haryana. The professor’s May 8 post highlighted the contrast between government rhetoric and the ground realities faced by Muslims, while referencing the role of Colonel Sofia Qureshi in the briefings.
Mahmudabad noted that showcasing diversity through female officers was important but questioned whether such displays matched the lived experience of Indian Muslims. He urged protection for victims of hate crimes and criticised what he called the government’s “hypocrisy.”
The Haryana State Commission for Women summoned him, claiming his remarks insulted women officers and stirred communal discord. Mahmudabad defended his post, saying it was misinterpreted and that he condemned all forms of violence, calling the misogyny allegation baseless.
This arrest follows earlier international criticism of India’s policies toward Muslims. Amnesty International last year condemned the demolition of Muslim-owned properties and the use of bulldozers to target communities under the banner of “bulldozer justice.”
Meanwhile, Indian authorities have also arrested a travel vlogger and five others from Punjab and Haryana for alleged espionage on behalf of Pakistan. The arrests come amid rising pressure on minority voices and heightened scrutiny of dissent in India.
