Indian researcher at Georgetown University arrested, faces deportation over alleged Hamas links
Indian researcher Badar Khan Suri, a post-doctoral fellow at Georgetown University, has been arrested by US immigration officers and faces deportation over allegations of spreading Hamas propaganda and having ties to a suspected terrorist. According to reports, he was taken into custody outside his home in Virginia by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents on Monday night.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated on social media that Suri "was actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media" and had "close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas." The US Secretary of State issued a determination on March 15 that Suri’s activities made him deportable under INA section 237(a)(4)(C)(i).
Suri’s lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, has argued that the arrest is politically motivated, linking it to the Palestinian heritage of Suri’s wife, who is a US citizen and a student at Georgetown University. The university issued a statement in support of Suri, asserting that it had not received any evidence of illegal activity and emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and free expression.
Suri, an expert in peace and conflict studies, has been teaching a course on Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia and has previously conducted research on peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan. He completed his PhD at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi in 2020.
His case follows that of another Indian student, Ranjani Srinivasan, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, who recently left the US after her student visa was revoked for participating in pro-Palestine protests. The DHS labeled her a "terrorist sympathizer," stating that her visa was revoked on March 5, and she self-deported on March 11.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated that those who "advocate terrorism and violence" would not be allowed to remain in the US.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
