Ashoka University political science head arrested for remarks on Operation Sindoor

The controversy centres around a May 8 social media post in which Mahmudabad commented on the use of women officers, Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, at media briefings on the cross-border military operation.

While acknowledging their representation as a positive signal of India’s diversity, he questioned what he described as a selective celebration by right-wing commentators.

“I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sofia Qureshi,” Mahmudabad wrote. “But perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing, and others who are victims of the BJP’s hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens.”

He went on to describe the briefings as “just hypocrisy,” stating that symbolic gestures must be accompanied by substantive change on the ground.

Mahmudabad is a political scientist with academic training from the University of Cambridge, University of Damascus, and Amherst College in the United States.

Apart from his academic role, he is also affiliated with the Samajwadi Party and has served as its official spokesperson.

Mahmudabad's post quickly triggered backlash from various quarters, including the Haryana State Commission for Women, which took suo motu cognisance and issued a notice on May 12, alleging that Mahmudabad’s comments demeaned women in uniform and promoted communal tensions.

Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatiya claimed that Mahmudabad failed to respond to their summons and did not appear for a scheduled meeting at the university on May 15.

The associate professor later criticised the Women’s Commission for what he described as a complete misinterpretation of his remarks.

“My comments were aimed at highlighting broader issues of justice and inclusion in India,” Mahmudabad said. “There is nothing misogynistic in my statements. On the contrary, I commended the choice of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh to lead the briefing. But optics must be accompanied by real, systemic change.”

Ashoka University, responding to the uproar, said that Mahmudabad’s views were personal and did not reflect the institution’s position.