Ashoka University professor arrested ‘over remarks on Operation Sindoor briefing by women officers’

Later in the day, Sonipat DCP (crime) Narinder Kadian said two FIRs have been lodged against the professor based on a complaint by the Haryana State Commission for Women chairperson Renu Bhatia and another complaint by Jatheri village sarpanch Yogesh Jatheri, who is also the general secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana.

Both FIRs have been lodged at the Rai police station of Sonipat district.

The FIR based on the complaint of Jatheri has been lodged under Section 196(1)B (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), 197(1)C (assertions prejudicial to national integration), 152 (act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) and 299 (malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The FIR based on the complaint of Bhatia has been lodged under Sections 353 (statements conducing to public mischief), 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman), and 152 (act endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) of the BNS.

The police officer stated that the accused was produced before a court on Sunday, where he was sent to a five-day police remand. According to the officer, the remand was granted in connection with the FIR lodged on the complaint of the Women’s Commission chief.

When asked why two FIRs had been filed for the same matter, Kadian clarified that these were separate issues. He explained, “The Sarpanch has stated that the comment was made to him in a personal capacity, which has deeply hurt him. On the other hand, the Women’s Commission chief’s FIR pertains to the Facebook post and the disobedience of the panel’s notice. The contents of the post are currently under investigation.”

Jatheri was not available for comments, while Haryana BJP spokesperson Sanjay Sharma said that the security agencies were taking action as appropriate for the security of the country.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Ashok University said: “We have been made aware that Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case. The University will continue to cooperate with the Police and local authorities in the investigation, fully.”

On May 12, the Commission had issued a notice to Mahmudabad after taking suo motu cognisance of his social media posts following Operation Sindoor on May 7. The remarks were annexed in the show-cause notice. Mahmudabad was also summoned to appear before the Commission.

Mahmudabad had called the optics of the media briefing on Operation Sindoor by women officers – Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh – important but said it would be “hypocrisy” if it didn’t translate to reality on the ground. The Commission has interpreted his remarks as “an attempt to vilify national military actions”.

In a statement to the media on May 14, Mahmudabad said that his remarks were “completely misunderstood” and claimed that the Commission had “no jurisdiction whatsoever” in the matter.

Mahmudabad also said the summons failed to highlight how his post is contrary to the rights or laws of women. “Contrary to the allegations, my post appreciated the fact that the armed forces chose Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for the press conference to highlight that the dream of the founders of our Republic, of an India united in its diversity, is still alive,” he added.

“This is a new form of censorship and harassment,” Mahmudabad said, referring to the actions of the Commission. “I have faith in the process of law and know that my fundamental, constitutional, and statutory rights will be protected,” he added.

Academics have initiated a letter campaign, demanding that the Commission retract the summons and offer Mahmudabad an unconditional apology. Sources said the letter has already been endorsed by over 1,200 members of the civil society, including scholars, students, journalists, artists, and political party spokespersons.