Indian authorities have arrested Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University, following a social media post he made concerning the Indian military’s recent Operation Sindoor. The arrest was initiated after a complaint was filed by a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s youth wing, the BJP Yuva Morcha.

Dr. Mahmudabad, known for his work on political history and minority rights, reportedly questioned the government’s narrative surrounding Operation Sindoor, the recent cross-border offensive launched by India in response to the Pehalgam incident.

The tweet, which was deleted shortly after being posted, allegedly criticized the human cost of war and called for accountability, according to legal sources familiar with the matter.

Dr. Mahmudabad’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on individuals expressing dissenting views on social media amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

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Earlier this month, a law student in Nagpur was suspended after being found with an individual arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged anti-national activities. Additionally, two individuals in Meghalaya were arrested for circulating an “anti-India” video on social media that incited religious hatred and supported Pakistan.

In Maharashtra, the Cyber Police have removed over 5,000 social media posts containing misinformation related to the India-Pakistan conflict, including false reports about army movements and strategic operations. The Indian military has also been granted authority to oversee social media content moderation, allowing for swifter action against online material deemed unlawful

These actions have raised concerns among civil liberties advocates about the potential suppression of free speech and academic freedom. Critics argue that the government’s measures may be stifling legitimate discourse and dissent under the guise of national security.

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