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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Iran’s Fars reports missiles hit US warship near Hormuz after it ignored warnings from IRGC
Tehran/Washington: Iran’s Fars News Agency has reported that two missiles struck a US Navy vessel near Jask in the Strait of Hormuz, citing local sources.
According to the report, the vessel was hit after it allegedly ignored warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to halt.
There has been no official confirmation from US authorities on the reported incident so far.
The development comes shortly after US President Donald Trump said Washington would begin “Project Freedom” to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command said the operation would involve 15,000 military personnel along with more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, warships and drones.
Further details about the reported strike and any damage or casualties remain unclear.
