The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, has withdrawn Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power, a book based on activist Umar Khalid’s doctoral thesis, from its Srinivasa Ramanujan Library following criticism on social media. On October 26, the institute said the decision was taken as a precaution to avoid “any misunderstanding or unrest”.
Madabhushi Madan Gopal, the in-charge chairman of IISER Pune’s Board of Governors (BoG), had earlier confirmed the withdrawal in a post on X, stating that action had been initiated against those responsible for what he described as “mischief”. He also said institute director Professor Sunil Bhagwat had taken immediate steps and assured that “such things will not happen again in IISER Pune”.
The decision has sparked debate over library acquisition policies, access to academic research and how educational institutions should respond to public criticism. While some social media users questioned the book’s inclusion in a government-funded science institution, others raised concerns about the implications of withdrawing academic material following online objections.
What The Book Examines
Published in 2026, Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power is based on Khalid’s doctoral research submitted to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 2018. The book examines the history of Adivasi communities in the Singhbhum region of present-day Jharkhand, particularly their experiences under British colonial rule and the relationship between tribal communities, governance and state power.
The controversy began after a photograph of the book, displayed among the library’s new acquisitions, circulated on social media. Some users questioned why a government-funded science and research institution had acquired a book written by Khalid, given his ongoing legal case. Responding on X on October 25, Madan Gopal wrote, “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.”
He added that Professor Sunil Bhagwat had taken immediate steps and said, “we need to be alert”. The institute subsequently issued a statement confirming the withdrawal, explaining that the decision was intended to prevent potential misunderstanding or unrest.
@GemsofAcademia 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
— Madabhushi Madan Gopal (@Madabhushi2) October 25, 2026
Questions Over Library Policy
In its statement, IISER Pune explained that its library collection is developed through recommendations from institute members and overseen by a dedicated committee. The institute said that, on average, more than 50 books covering different subjects are added to the library every month. It added that the book was withdrawn as soon as the matter was brought to the attention of the authorities and that further action or steps would be examined.
However, the decision has prompted questions about the process through which books are selected and the considerations that guide their inclusion or removal. Historian Ramachandra Guha, who wrote the foreword to Khalid’s book, criticised the withdrawal, arguing that research institutions should uphold intellectual openness. Some IISER students also questioned the decision, maintaining that the book’s academic content should be assessed separately from the controversy surrounding its author. Khalid has been in judicial custody since September 2020 in connection with the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. He has not been convicted in the case.
The episode has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of publicly funded educational institutions when academic material becomes the subject of public disagreement. While institutions must address legitimate concerns and maintain campus harmony, questions remain about how such decisions should be made and communicated.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The incident highlights the need to balance institutional responsibility, public concerns and access to academic research. Educational institutions should have clear and transparent procedures for selecting library materials, while addressing disagreements through dialogue rather than allowing controversy to overshadow the academic merits of a work. At the same time, concerns raised by students, faculty and the wider public deserve to be heard respectfully. How should educational institutions balance public concerns with academic freedom and access to knowledge?
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