The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, has removed a book written by jailed activist Umar Khalid from its library after its inclusion among new acquisitions triggered criticism on social media.
In a statement on Monday, the institute said it had withdrawn Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power as a precaution to avoid “any misunderstanding or unrest”.
The book, based on Khalid’s doctoral thesis at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), examines two centuries of state formation, colonial rule and tribal state relations in the Singhbhum region of present day Jharkhand, with a focus on the Ho community.
The controversy began after an X account named Gems of Indian Academia shared a photograph showing the book listed among new additions to the IISER Pune library. Several social media users questioned why a publicly funded science institute had acquired a book written by Khalid and raised concerns about the use of public funds.
Some posts also contrasted Khalid with former President and scientist APJ Abdul Kalam.
IISER Says Action Taken After Objections
IISER Pune said its library collection is developed through recommendations from institute members and a committee overseeing library operations. More than 50 books across different fields are routinely added to the collection every month, it said.
“Regarding the book in question (written by Khalid), as soon as the matter was brought to the attention of institute authorities, it was decided to retract the book as a precaution in order to avoid any misunderstanding or unrest,” the statement said. The institute added that it would examine what further action could be taken.
Madabhushi Madan Gopal, chairperson of the institute’s Board of Governors, also responded to the controversy on X on October 25.
“As incharge Chairman, BoG, IISER Pune, I am shocked to know this, this is retracted last night and action is initiated on those who played this mischief,” he wrote, adding that institute director Sunil Bhagwat had taken immediate steps.
Ramachandra Guha Criticises Withdrawal
Historian Ramachandra Guha, who wrote the foreword to the book, criticised the institute’s decision to remove it following the online backlash.
“It is deeply disappointing that the institute chose to withdraw the book simply because it attracted criticism on social media,” Guha said.
He argued that an institution dedicated to science and research should uphold academic freedom and intellectual openness rather than give in to social media pressure.
The book examines Adivasi histories and the relationship between tribal communities and state power, including questions of land, identity, displacement and dispossession.
Umar Khalid Has Been in Jail Since 2020
Khalid, a former JNU student, was arrested in September 2020 in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots. He was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The riots left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. Khalid has been accused by investigators of playing a central role in the alleged conspiracy, charges he has contested.
His doctoral research, on which the withdrawn book is based, focuses on the historical relationship between tribal communities and state power in the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand.
