Crackdown in India: Arrests Over Alleged Spying and Suppression of Free Speech Raise Alarms
The Indian government is facing renewed criticism over what many are calling a suppression of civil liberties. Following the demolition of Muslim homes in occupied Kashmir, authorities have arrested several individuals on charges of espionage and dissent, sparking concern among civil rights organizations.
One of the arrested is Shahzad, a businessman from Uttar Pradesh, who was detained by the Special Task Force (STF) on allegations of spying for Pakistani intelligence. Officials claim he was involved in cross-border smuggling and espionage activities under the guise of importing goods like cosmetics, spices, and clothing. Authorities further allege that Shahzad supplied funds and Indian SIM cards to Pakistani agents and helped recruit locals from Rampur and nearby regions.
This incident follows the controversial arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber behind the channel Travel with JO. She was accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani officials—claims critics call “completely fabricated.”
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Adding to the controversy, Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University, was detained after posting a critical message on social media questioning India’s military Operation Sindoor. His post challenged the official narrative and called for transparency about the operation’s human toll, drawing a formal complaint from the ruling party.
Civil liberties advocates have voiced alarm over these arrests, warning that national security laws are increasingly being used to stifle free speech, journalism, and academic expression in India.
