Bengaluru Professor Suspended Following Alleged Communal Slurs in Classroom
Bengaluru – A wave of indignation has swept through the academic community after a professor at PES University allegedly directed a series of communal slurs at a Muslim student, reportedly branding him a “terrorist” during a live lecture. The incident, captured in a fragmented 57-second video, has prompted the university to suspend the faculty member and sparked a wider debate regarding classroom safety and institutional accountability.
The Flashpoint: From Request to Rhetoric
The confrontation occurred last Tuesday when the student, identified as Affan, reportedly requested permission to leave the classroom briefly to meet an acquaintance. According to witnesses and video evidence, the request triggered an unexpectedly volatile reaction from Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande, an adjunct professor with the university.
In the recording, a visibly agitated Deshpande is heard shouting, “Sharm nahi aati, tumko (Do you feel no shame)?” before explicitly using the word “terrorist” directed at the student. While ambient noise obscures portions of the footage, students present during the lecture allege that the verbal assault was far more extensive. Deshpande reportedly invoked global geopolitics to berate the student, allegedly stating, “The Iran war happened because of people like you,” and claiming that “Donald Trump would come and take you away.”
Allegations of Institutional Pressure
The fallout has extended beyond the initial verbal exchange. Reports suggest a tense atmosphere following the lecture, with claims that the professor repeated the slur as many as 13 times. Furthermore, concerns regarding a potential “cover-up” have emerged; students allege that relevant CCTV footage was deleted and that the Head of Department pressured Affan following the incident.
Adding to the controversy, three students who stood in solidarity with Affan were reportedly suspended. While the university cited “talking during class” as the reason for their dismissal, critics argue the move was an attempt to stifle dissent.
University Response and Legal Action
In a formal letter signed by the Vice Chancellor, the university confirmed Deshpande’s suspension pending a detailed inquiry. However, the letter notably omitted the specific nature of the offense.
“Sometimes there could be indiscipline in the classroom and people may overreact,” the Vice Chancellor stated, noting that Deshpande is a long-term adjunct professor. “It is surprising he has reacted the way he has. There is a video circulating… but I do not have the complete context of the background talk with the student.”
The Vice Chancellor maintained that such an incident is unprecedented in the institution’s history and promised that “whatever disciplinary measures are needed will be taken.”
The National Student Union of India (NSUI) has since escalated the matter, filing a formal police complaint. The student body is demanding not only a full investigation but also a public apology from Dr. Deshpande, who has reportedly apologized to the university administration but not to the student he targeted.
