Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad arrested over his comments on Operation Sindoor briefings by female officers

New Delhi (India) May 18: Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the professor, was arrested in Delhi on a complaint from a BJP youth wing member. He had also received a notice over his comments from the Haryana State Commission for Women.

According to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Mahmudabad was arrested for insulting religious beliefs, promoting secession, armed protest, or subversive activity, and uttering statements that could cause disharmony.

"Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested in Delhi." Rai Ajeet Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police said.

The media briefings on "Operation Sindoor" given by female officers Col. Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were characterised by Mahmudabad as "optics" and "just hypocrisy."

In response to the claims, Mahmudabad said he was being silenced and that his social media posts on Operation Sindoor and the female officers involved were not misogynistic.

He wrote, “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. The Women's Commission is a body that serves an important function; however, the summons issued to me fails to highlight how my post is contrary to the rights of or laws for women.”on social media platform X.

Ashoka University said, "Comments made by a faculty member on his personal social media pages do not represent the opinion of the university. These statements have been made by him independently in his individual capacity." in a statement.

Many people, including famous scholars, historians, filmmakers, and human rights advocates have signed a petition since his arrest calling for the commission to withdraw the summons and provide an apology.

Aadrika Tayal