Indian-origin UK-based professor accused of inciting violence in Manipur

IMPHAL: Uday Reddy, an Indian-origin professor teaching computer science at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom (UK), has been accused of inciting violence between Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur through online messages and discussions on social media.

The accusations emerged following a police complaint filed in Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

A First Information Report (FIR) lodged by a local resident in the Imphal East district of Manipur alleges that Professor Reddy intentionally promoted enmity between communities in Manipur on religious grounds.

The complaint claims that Reddy conducted online sessions that insulted the religious beliefs of the Meitei community, thereby fostering tensions between the Meiteis and other ethnic groups in Manipur.

“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 FIR stated.

The complaint further suggested that Reddy might have connections with Khalistani elements in Canada.

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Investigations by police officials revealed that Reddy hosted several audio discussions on social media platforms, allegedly instructing individuals on how to disrupt law enforcement efforts in Manipur.

Following these revelations, Reddy's social media account on X (formerly Twitter) was withheld in India in response to a legal demand, as per X’s policy.

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

The complainant also urged authorities to investigate Reddy’s call records and financial transactions to uncover any further links to illicit activities.

“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 FIR stated.

The complainant requested Indian authorities to contact the University of Birmingham to inform them of the accused’s “criminal acts committed by him against India".

Additionally, the FIR called for authorities to issue a lookout circular (LOC) to monitor Reddy’s entry and exit points in India, ensuring he cannot leave the country if required for further investigation.