Dalit Christian professor fired from Indian university over anti-war WhatsApp posts
SRM University dismisses faculty member after students leak private messages urging caution during India–Pakistan tensions under Operation Sindoor
CHENNAI, India (MNTV) — Dalit Christian academic Lora Shanthakumar has been dismissed from SRM University in Chennai after an inquiry found her private WhatsApp posts expressing anti-war views during India–Pakistan tensions amounted to “grave misconduct.”
Shanthakumar, an assistant professor at SRM’s Career Development Centre, shared May 7 updates warning against war and highlighting propaganda risks during Operation Sindoor, India’s military action following the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir. Students leaked screenshots, triggering threats that forced her to leave Chennai.
The university accused her of posting “unethical remarks” against the armed forces and acting “against national interest,” declaring her unfit for employment.
The internal inquiry examined five charges, concluding all were “proved” despite her insistence that the posts were personal and she never identified as university faculty in them. She has 30 days to appeal.
Her case reflects a broader pattern in India, where marginalized academics face suspension, dismissal, or threats for posts critical of war, majoritarian politics, or state violence.
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