Manish Kumar, a Dalit PhD scholar and student leader from Allahabad University, has been booked by the Azamgarh police over a Facebook post. In the post, he questioned national security issues, the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, and the Modi government’s silence on alleged corruption and losses during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
The FIR was registered on May 14 at Katharipur police station under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67 of the IT Act. These laws relate to statements that may incite public disorder and to allegedly offensive or misleading online content.
In his post, Manish wrote, “Why has the Modi government not yet denied the reports that claim India lost multiple Rafale jets during the conflict? Why has there been no transparency and clarification?”
He also raised questions about the financial side of the Rafale deal, linking it to corporate interests involving Ambani, which has been controversial in past debates.
Student groups and civil society activists across Uttar Pradesh have strongly criticized the FIR, calling it an attack on free speech and an attempt to silence voices that question the government, especially those from marginalized communities.
Manish Kumar is the Uttar Pradesh State President of the All India Students Association (AISA), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist). AISA condemned the FIR, saying, “The FIR against Comrade Manish is not an exception. It is part of a countrywide assault on dissent launched after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. In Jammu & Kashmir, over 3,000 arrests have taken place. In Assam, 42 people were jailed for ‘pro-Pakistan’ posts. In Uttar Pradesh alone, 30 people have been arrested and 40 FIRs lodged. Across India, students, artists, and citizens are being targeted. This is not democracy. This is rule by fear.”
Manish Kumar has not been arrested yet, but legal action is ongoing. Rights groups plan to challenge the FIR in court, arguing that it violates constitutional rights to free speech.
The police have not clearly explained the reasons for the charges. Civil rights advocates warn that such cases threaten open discussion, especially in universities and among young activists.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com.
