Ashoka University Professor Arrested Over Remarks on 'Operation Sindoor'
Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University, was arrested following a complaint by a BJP youth leader regarding his social media post on "Operation Sindoor." The professor had reportedly commented on the perceived irony of Hindutva commentators praising Colonel Sofia Qureshi, involved in the operation's briefings. Mahmudabad claimed his remarks were misconstrued. The arrest has sparked debates on freedom of expression and academic discourse in India.
Unpacked:
Operation Sindoor was a series of Indian military strikes launched in May 2025, in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists. The operation targeted camps and infrastructure of militant groups in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, aiming to dismantle terror bases believed to be behind the attack.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi is an Indian Army officer who played a significant role in the briefings for Operation Sindoor. Her involvement drew attention because she is a Muslim officer, and some found it ironic that Hindutva commentators, often critical of minorities, were praising her contributions.
Ali Khan Mahmudabad’s comments highlighted perceived irony in the praise from Hindutva commentators for Colonel Qureshi, given the usual political rhetoric about minorities. A BJP youth leader filed a complaint, alleging his social media post was inflammatory or disrespectful, which led to his arrest and sparked debates about freedom of expression in India.
The incident has fueled debates on whether academics and citizens can freely express critical or nuanced views, especially on sensitive political or national security issues. Critics argue arrests like Mahmudabad’s threaten academic freedom and dissent, while supporters say such comments could incite unrest or disrespect national interests.