SDPI Denounces Politically Motivated Arrest of Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad

The Social Democratic Party of India strongly condemns the arrest of Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Associate Professor and Head of Political Science at Ashoka University, on May 18, 2025, over baseless charges tied to his social media posts. This arrest is a severe attack on free speech, academic freedom, and India’s constitutional democratic values.

Dr. Ali Khan’s posts praised the Indian Armed Forces’ professionalism in Operation Sindoor, particularly women officers like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, as symbols of India’s secular identity. His criticism targeted civilian war-mongering and communal rhetoric, not the military or government. Allegations of disparaging women officers or threatening national unity are misrepresentations. Charging him under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), akin to sedition, is disproportionate, as his posts did not promote rebellion or subversion.

The SDPI notes political motives, citing the involvement of Yogesh Jatheri (BJP Yuva Morcha General Secretary) and the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW), led by Renu Bhatia. The selective targeting of Dr. Mahmudabad, while inflammatory remarks by BJP leaders like Vijay Shah go unpunished, raises serious concerns. Dr. Khan faced harassment, including denial of medication and excessive detainment without communication. The HSCW’s suo motu action on May 12, 2025, overstepped its mandate, which focuses on issues like domestic violence, not social media. Using life-imprisonment charges to silence a scholar advocating peace is a misuse of law to criminalize dissent.

The SDPI demands Dr. Ali Khan’s immediate release, withdrawal of charges, and a judicial dismissal of this case on May 20, 2025. We call for an investigation into the Haryana Police and HSCW’s misuse of legal mechanisms and accountability for those responsible.

Elyas Muhammad Tumbe
National General Secretary
Social Democratic Party of India