India Cracks Down on Dissent: Businessman, YouTuber, and Professor

Date: May 19, 2025 | By: NewsMakers Web Desk

The Indian government’s crackdown on civil liberties continues to raise alarms, as authorities ramp up arrests following the demolition of Muslim homes in occupied Kashmir. In the latest development, multiple individuals have been detained under allegations ranging from espionage to dissent.

Among them is Shahzad, a businessman from Uttar Pradesh, who was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) on charges of spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies. According to official sources, intelligence reports linked Shahzad to cross-border smuggling and covert operations allegedly coordinated with foreign spy networks.

Authorities claim Shahzad used his business—importing items like cosmetics, clothing, and spices—as a cover for espionage activities. He is also accused of supplying Indian SIM cards and financial support to ‘Pakistani agents’ operating within India. Additionally, he allegedly helped recruit individuals from Rampur and nearby areas for intelligence work.

This arrest follows a recent case involving Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber who runs the travel channel Travel with JO. She was accused of passing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence—a charge civil society groups dismiss as fabricated and politically motivated.

In a separate incident, Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University, was reportedly detained after posting a critical message on social media about Operation Sindoor, a recent military campaign. His post questioned the official narrative and called for transparency about civilian casualties. The ruling party filed a complaint against him, citing national security concerns.

These incidents have sparked outrage among human rights advocates and civil society organizations, who argue that national security laws are increasingly being misused to stifle free speech, dissent, and academic freedom in India.