Bengaluru Professor Suspended Over ‘Terrorist’ Remark Against Muslim Student at PES University

A major row has erupted at Bengaluru's PES University after a professor was accused of making derogatory and communal remarks against a Muslim student during a classroom session, prompting widespread outrage and swift disciplinary action. The controversy surfaced after a video from inside the classroom went viral, showing the professor allegedly calling the student a "terrorist" in front of classmates.

Classroom Exchange Triggers Massive Backlash

The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday when a student identified as Affan sought permission to step out of class to meet someone. According to accounts from those present and a video recorded by another student, Dr Muralidhar Deshpande reacted sharply during the exchange.

In the video, the professor, dressed in a half-sleeved check-pattern shirt, is heard shouting across the classroom, "Sharm nahi aati, tumko (Do you feel no shame)," before adding, "I thought I will be very calm today."

Moments later, he is allegedly heard saying, "Terrorist," in a clip that also contains significant ambient noise.

The professor has further been accused of making a series of abusive and communal remarks, including blaming "people like him" for the Iran war, saying Donald Trump would "come and take him away", and telling the student he would "go to hell".

University Suspends Professor Pending Probe

Following the backlash over the video, PES University placed the professor under suspension pending an internal inquiry. The suspension came three days after the alleged remarks were made public.

In its suspension order, the university said, "A case of student complaint has been received. Pending detail enquiry into the matter you are kept under suspension with immediate effect," according to a letter signed by the Vice Chancellor. The letter, however, did not specify the exact nature of the complaint.

The university administration has since sought to distance itself from the professor's conduct, saying disciplinary action would follow based on the outcome of the investigation.

Vice Chancellor Says Incident Unprecedented

Speaking on the controversy, the Vice Chancellor said the university trains faculty members on handling classroom situations and acknowledged that such incidents can sometimes arise when there is indiscipline.

"Sometimes there could be indiscipline in the classroom and people may overreact," he said, while adding that the professor is not a full-time faculty member.

He further 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."

The Vice Chancellor also stressed that such an episode was unprecedented at the institution, saying, "In light of this particular thing whatever disciplinary measures are needed will be taken against that particular faculty."

He also underlined that an incident like this has "never happened in the history of the institution".

Students Allege More Suspensions, NSUI Files Police Complaint

The controversy has deepened further after claims emerged that three students who supported the targeted student were also suspended, though the university reportedly cited unrelated reasons for those actions.

Meanwhile, the National Student Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, has filed a police complaint over the incident. The organisation has demanded strict action against the professor and has also called for a public apology.