Indian authorities have taken several individuals into their custody across Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and other major cities, including a travel vlogger and a university professor, citing their alleged links to Pakistan and comments in connection with the recent military actions between India and Pakistan, as Indian media said on Sunday.
The arrests were made after tensions triggered by a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK), which Indian has blamed on Pakistan. In response, India reportedly carried out air strikes inside Pakistan on the night of May 6–7, resulting in civilian casualties. Later, Pakistan retaliated by downing five Indian jets and intercepting drones. Both countries also engaged in strikes on each other’s airbases before the United States President Donald Trump intervened on May 10 to broker a ceasefire.
Among those detained by Indian authorities are Dr Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor of political science at Ashoka University in Haryana. He was arrested at his residence in Delhi for views he made on social media regarding the Indian Army’s press briefings on its military operations, referred to as Operation Sindoor
The complaint against Mahmudabad was filed by Yogesh Jatheri, general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) youth wing in Haryana’s Sonepat district. According to his lawyer, Mahmudabad faces charges related to promoting enmity, inciting rebellion, subversive activity, and insulting religious beliefs.
In a May 8 post, Mahmudabad pointed out the perceived irony of right-wing commentators lauding Colonel Sofia Qureshi, the military spokesperson during the briefings, given the broader ideological stance of Hindutva circles.
Authorities have not disclosed the full list of individuals arrested or the specific evidence linking them to the allegations. The detentions have sparked concerns over academic freedom and freedom of expression, especially amid rising political and communal tensions.
