Indian researcher detained in the US, family seeks help

The family of Badar Khan Suri, an Indian researcher, is worried after he was detained in the United States. Suri, who works at Georgetown University, was arrested outside his home in Virginia on Monday night. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims he supported Hamas and spread anti-Jewish rhetoric. His family in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, denies these allegations, calling them "baseless." Suri's father, Shamshad Khan, stated he believes his son is innocent. "He respects all religions and has never engaged in any form of religious propaganda," he said. Khan suggested that the accusations might be linked to Suri's marriage to an American woman from Gaza, whose family includes a Hamas leader. He described the charges as "fabricated" and pleaded with the Indian government for help to bring his son home safely. Suri’s detention reflects a wider crackdown by U.S. authorities on individuals seen as threats to American foreign policy. DHS has accused him of spreading Hamas propaganda on social media but has not provided specific evidence. His lawyer argues that the charges are politically motivated, part of a trend against scholars advocating for Palestine. Currently, Suri is held in Alexandria, Louisiana, facing deportation proceedings. His family awaits updates, worried about his future. The local police in Saharanpur have started investigating the case and are in contact with Suri's family. They aim to gather more information and report it to higher authorities.