Bengaluru: A controversy has erupted at PES University in Bengaluru after a professor allegedly made derogatory and communal remarks against a Muslim student during a classroom session. The incident has sparked outrage after a video of the episode surfaced online.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday when a student named Affan asked permission to step out of class to meet someone. According to reports and the video recording, the professor, identified as Dr Muralidhar Deshpande, began shouting at the student in front of the entire class.
In the video, the professor can be heard saying, “Sharm nahi aati, tumko (Do you feel no shame),” while addressing the student in a raised voice. He further says, “I thought I will be very calm today,” followed by the word “Terrorist,” which is also heard clearly in the footage. The clip, which contains heavy classroom background noise, has since gone viral.
The professor is also accused of making a series of offensive remarks, including blaming “people like him” for the Iran war, suggesting Donald Trump would “come and take him away” and telling the student he would “go to hell”. The incident was reportedly recorded by another student present in the classroom.
University action and suspension
Following strong backlash, PES University placed the professor under suspension pending an investigation. A university letter signed by the Vice Chancellor stated, “A case of student complaint has been received. Pending detail enquiry into the matter you are kept under suspension with immediate effect,” without specifying the allegations.
A student, speaking anonymously, also tol d NDTV that three students who supported Affan were suspended for other reasons.
The Vice Chancellor said the institution trains faculty to handle classroom situations and acknowledged that “Sometimes there could be indiscipline in the classroom and people may overreact,” adding that the professor was an adjunct faculty member and not full-time staff. He also said, “This particular person has been teaching as an adjunct professor for so many years. He has a PhD qualification. It is surprising he has reacted the way he has reacted. There is a video that is circulating. But there is some background talk also with the student which is there, which I do not want to react to at this time. I do not have the complete context.”
He further noted, “In light of this particular thing whatever disciplinary measures are needed will be taken against that particular faculty,” and added that such an incident has “never happened in the history of the institution”.
The NSUI has filed a police complaint demanding strict action and a public apology from the professor.