The arrest of Professor Ali Khan, a Muslim academic in India, over comments made on social media regarding “Operation Sindoor” has sparked public backlash. Not only have civil rights groups voiced concern, but prominent Indian media outlets have also questioned the basis of the sedition charges filed against him.
On May 8, Professor Ali Khan posted that it was good to see right-wing figures praising Colonel Sofia Qureshi. He then urged them to also speak out for victims of mob lynching, home demolitions, and the BJP’s divisive politics, saying these citizens deserved protection as Indians.
This statement led to a First Information Report (FIR) being filed against him, citing “anti-national” sentiment and an alleged insult to “daughters of India.” However, when asked to justify these claims, those behind the complaint struggled to provide evidence.
My statement re the summons that I received from the Haryana State Women’s Commission.
The posts that were misunderstood and objected to can be accessed at these links:https://t.co/RMbrnmOCSQ
And https://t.co/Bkw7hwzs7f pic.twitter.com/dy9yivyUVn
— Ali Khan Mahmudabad (@Mahmudabad) May 14, 2025
FIR Under Fire: No Quote, No Clarity
In an interview that quickly gained attention online, Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Women’s Commission, who filed the complaint, could not identify any specific words in the professor’s post that were seditious or derogatory. The anchor repeatedly read the statement aloud and asked her to highlight the objectionable content.
Bhatia insisted that calling out military women was equivalent to an attack on their dignity, but failed to cite anything that directly insulted Colonel Sofia Qureshi or Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. “How can someone say such things?” she said, without elaborating.
The anchor pressed her further, noting the absence of any quote that supported the sedition charge. Her evasive answers led the anchor to conclude: “The nation wants to know — what exactly did he say?”
Public Reaction and Media Critique
The incident has triggered criticism not only on social media but in mainstream Indian newsrooms. A viral cartoon summed up public sentiment: “Find something offensive in Professor Ali Khan’s post,” says the state. The police check his religion. The government responds: “Arrest him.”
The widespread coverage has raised concerns about freedom of speech, misuse of sedition laws, and targeting individuals based on their faith.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates