The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, has withdrawn a book based on terror accused Umar Khalid’s doctoral thesis from its library after its inclusion triggered criticism on social media, as reported in JagranJosh. The institute’s decision has also raised questions about how books are selected for publicly funded educational institutions and who is accountable for their acquisition.
The book, Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power, was published by Juggernaut in 2026. It draws on Khalid’s PhD research submitted to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 2018 and examines the history of Adivasi communities in the Singhbhum region of present-day Jharkhand, including their experiences under British colonial rule.
Umar Khalid’s thesis is added as a book at IISER, Pune.
This is a central government institution for science research. https://t.co/gWpC26KAOq
— Gems of Indian Academia (@GemsofAcademia) October 24, 2026
The book’s presence in the library drew objections from social media users who questioned its inclusion at a government-funded science and research institution, given the controversy surrounding its author.
Following the backlash, Madabhushi Madan Gopal, the in-charge chairman of the IISER Pune Board of Governors, confirmed that the book had been withdrawn. He described its inclusion as “mischief” and indicated that action had been initiated against those responsible for its procurement.
IISER Pune Director Professor Sunil Bhagwat also took immediate steps to remove the book from the collection, according to the account shared by the board chairman.
At the time of the reports, the institute had not provided a detailed public explanation of how the book was acquired, whether it had passed through the usual library selection process, or what specific action was being taken against the personnel concerned.
What Is Umar Khalid’s Book About?
Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power is based on Khalid’s doctoral research at JNU’s Centre for Historical Studies, where he submitted his thesis in 2018 and received his PhD in 2019.
The work examines Adivasi society in the Singhbhum region, focusing on colonial administration, community structures, local governance and the relationship between indigenous communities and state power.
While the book is said to be an academic work on historical and colonial-era developments, the author who is a terror accused is being celebrated and there is no confirmation whether his ideology did not penetrate into his thesis.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
