IISER Pune Removes Umar Khalid’s Book from Library After Outrage; Board Chairman Calls It “Mischief” and Initiates Action
Pune, 25th October 2026: The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has withdrawn a copy of jailed activist Umar Khalid’s book — based on his PhD thesis — from its library after the addition triggered widespread criticism online.
The book, Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power (published by Juggernaut), is based on Khalid’s 2018 doctoral dissertation from Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for Historical Studies. The thesis examines the history of Adivasi communities in the Singhbhum region of present-day Jharkhand under colonial rule and later periods. Khalid has been in judicial custody since September 2020 in connection with the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and related charges. He has not been convicted.
A social media post highlighting that the book had been added to the library of the central government-funded science institution went viral on Saturday, drawing sharp reactions. Critics questioned why a premier science research institute would stock the work of an individual facing serious national security-related charges.
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Madabhushi Madan Gopal, Incharge Chairman of the Board of Governors of IISER Pune, said the institution acted swiftly.
“As incharge Chairman, BoG, IISER Pune, I am shocked to know this, this is retracted last night & action is initiated on those who played this mischief. I assure such things will not happen again in IISER Pune. Prof. Sunil Bhagwat, Director has taken immediately steps, we need to be alert,” he posted.
In a follow-up, Gopal added that the Board of Governors oversees meetings of the Finance Committee and BoG, while day-to-day administration and academic matters are managed by the Director.
“Unfortunately mischief happened & corrected immediately,” he wrote. He further noted that the institute is “aware and alert” and that “suitable remedial measures” should be taken.
IISER Pune Director Prof. Sunil Bhagwat is reported to have taken immediate corrective steps. No detailed official statement has been issued by the institute’s official social media handles so far.
The episode has reignited debates about academic freedom, library acquisition policies at publicly funded institutions, and the presence of politically contested material in science-focused campuses. Some alumni and commentators called for an inquiry into the library committee and faculty involved in the recommendation, while others noted that the book is not banned and is available commercially.
Khalid’s thesis has previously received praise from historians, including Ramachandra Guha, who described it as one of the most accomplished doctoral dissertations by an Indian scholar he had read. The work focuses on archival research into colonial governance, community structures, and state-Adivasi relations rather than contemporary politics.
