I’m Being Targeted for Asking Questions,” Says Dalit Scholar Booked Over Facebook Post

Dalit scholar and student leader Manish Kumar has come under scrutiny after being booked by the Azamgarh police over a Facebook post that questioned national security decisions and alleged lack of transparency in government dealings. Kumar, a PhD scholar at Allahabad University and state president of the All India Students Association (AISA), sees the FIR against him as part of a growing pattern of silencing dissent.

“What have I done except ask questions that every citizen has the right to ask?” said Kumar in a statement shared with fellow students and rights groups. “Is it a crime now to demand clarity from those in power?”

The FIR was registered on May 14 at the Katharipur police station under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67 of the IT Act. These sections pertain to incitement to public disorder and objectionable online content. However, no arrest has been made so far.

In the Facebook post in question, Kumar wrote:

“Why has the Modi government not yet denied reports that claim India lost multiple Rafale jets during the recent Indo-Pak conflict? Why is there no transparency or clarification? People have the right to know the truth, especially when it involves national security and taxpayer money.”

He also raised concerns about alleged financial irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal and linked it to corporate interests — a subject that has been debated in the past but remains controversial.

“When a common man questions billion-dollar defence deals, he’s accused of inciting unrest. But when powerful people misuse public money, no one is held accountable,” Kumar added.

According to Kumar, the FIR is symptomatic of a larger crackdown on critical voices, especially those from marginalised communities.

“Let’s not forget—I’m not alone. In Uttar Pradesh itself, over 30 people have been arrested recently, and more than 40 FIRs have been lodged. We are witnessing the criminalisation of students, artists, and activists. This is deeply alarming.”

Student bodies and civil society organisations across Uttar Pradesh have spoken out in support of Kumar. AISA, the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), released a statement calling the FIR politically motivated.

“The FIR against Comrade Manish is not an isolated case,” the statement read. “This is part of a countrywide assault on dissent that has intensified since the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.”

Kumar emphasized that the crackdown appears to be disproportionately affecting young voices and minorities.

“Why is it always Dalits, Muslims, students, and the poor who are picked out for questioning the government?” he asked. “Is that the democracy we were promised?”

While the police have not provided detailed justification for the charges, rights groups including Amnesty International have condemned the move, arguing that it amounts to suppression of constitutionally protected speech.

Legal experts say Kumar’s legal team plans to challenge the FIR in court on constitutional grounds.

“We’re not afraid,” Kumar concluded. “We’ll fight this legally, politically, and peacefully. Silence is not an option when democracy is under threat.”

The case has drawn international attention, with several human rights organisations and UN rapporteurs expressing concern about shrinking space for dissent in India. Meanwhile, students across multiple universities have announced plans to hold solidarity meetings and peaceful demonstrations demanding the withdrawal of the FIR.

Source Reference : https://www.siasat.com/allahabad-university-dalit-phd-scholar-booked-for-questioning-rafale-aircraft-deal-3224664/