Vishal Dadlani questions arrest of Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad
New Delhi: Noted singer and music composer Vishal Dadlani has come out in support of Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Associate Professor of Political Science at Ashoka University, who was arrested by Haryana Police on May 18 over his social media posts related to ‘Operation Sindoor’.
In a strong statement posted on Facebook, Dadlani shared one of Professor Mahmudabad’s controversial posts and questioned the basis of the arrest. “What about this post is wrong or arrest-worthy?” he wrote, expressing shock over the charges imposed on the academic.
Dadlani’s comment is among the first public reactions from a celebrity in the entertainment industry regarding the arrest, which has sparked outrage across academic and civil society circles.
Professor Mahmudabad was arrested after two FIRs were registered against him at Sonipat’s Rai Police Station. The complaints were filed by Haryana State Women Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia and BJP Yuva Morcha general-secretary Yogesh Jathedi. He faces serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including promoting enmity and endangering the country's sovereignty and integrity.
The arrest has drawn criticism from several quarters. The Faculty Association of Ashoka University released a statement condemning what they called “calculated harassment” and “groundless charges”. The Association said Professor Mahmudabad is a respected academic who has always worked to promote communal harmony and responsible dialogue.
His lawyer, Kapil Balyan, told the media that similar views have been expressed on social media by retired Army officers and political leaders without facing such action. He also revealed that Professor Mahmudabad was not given access to essential medicines and was driven around for hours after being picked up from his home in New Delhi.
The Haryana State Women’s Commission had earlier summoned Mahmudabad over his posts, claiming that they disparaged women officers involved in the military operation. In response, Mahmudabad had issued a public statement saying his words were misinterpreted and that he only intended to promote peace and applaud the armed forces.
Known for his outspoken political views, Dadlani has often criticised government policies and has been vocal on issues of civil liberties.
As the case proceeds, Mahmudabad remains in police and judicial custody across the two FIRs and is expected to be produced in court again on May 20.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
