Indian-origin Computer Science Prof In UK Booked For Inciting Violence In Manipur

An Indian-origin man, Uday Reddy, a Computer Science professor at the University of Birmingham in the UK, has been charged with allegedly inciting communities in ethnic violence-hit Manipur using social media. An FIR was registered in a police station in the Imphal East district on the basis of a complaint filed by a local resident.

According to the FIR, Reddy had been working online, posting messages and organising talk sessions on social media platforms to create tension between communities on religious grounds in Manipur. The police complaint also alleged the accused may be linked with Khalistani elements in Canada.

“The accused person deliberately with malicious intention insulted the Meitei’s religious beliefs and promoted enmity between the Meiteis and other communities on religious grounds,” the complainant said in the FIR, according to an NDTV report.

“The unlawful activities of the accused person and his associates amount to anti-national activities that challenge the integrity and sovereignty of India, and are fit to be dealt with under the relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,” the FIR said.

“As there is a high possibility of the accused being linked with Khalistanis in Canada… and with narco-terrorist groups… the call records of the accused, financial activities… may kindly be investigated,” the complainant further added in the FIR.

The complainant also told the police that Reddy had been hosting audio discussions on social media directing people in Manipur on how to create trouble against law enforcement in the state.

The complainant further requested Indian authorities to contact Reddy’s workplace and inform them about the “criminal acts committed by him against India”, adding that a lookout circular (LOC) should be issued to monitor entry and exit points in India.

Reddy’s X profile showed that the account has been “withheld in India in response to a legal demand.” The policy of microblogging site X states that such action is usually taken on a court order.

He was not available to comment on the matter.