Professor booked for calling Muslim student “Terrorist” in India
University suspends professor and orders inquiry after viral video sparks protests and police file case under religious insult laws
BENGALURU, India (MNTV) — Police in Bengaluru have registered a suo motu case against a professor at PES University for allegedly calling a Muslim student a “terrorist” during a classroom session, after a video of the incident went viral on social media and triggered protests by student groups.
The accused, identified as adjunct professor Muralidhar Deshpande from the commerce department, allegedly made Islamophobic remarks during a class attended by around 60 students.
According to a complaint, the incident occurred when the student asked for permission to leave the classroom, after which the professor allegedly shouted at him and called him a “terrorist.”
The complaint further alleged that the professor linked the student to global conflicts, reportedly saying, “The Iran war happened because of people like you” and “Trump will take you away.” Some of the remarks are not clearly audible in the viral video due to background noise.
Initially, the Giri Nagar Police Station registered a non-cognizable report based on a complaint filed by the student wing of a political party. However, police later filed a suo motu case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings and intentional insult that could provoke a breach of peace.
PES University has suspended the professor pending an internal inquiry. Chancellor Jawahar Doreswamy said the university is verifying the authenticity of the video and reviewing CCTV footage from the classroom. A disciplinary committee will examine the evidence and take further action.
The complaint also raised concerns about possible deletion of CCTV footage and alleged that some students who supported the Muslim student were later suspended on disciplinary grounds.
The Students’ Islamic Organization of India condemned the incident, calling it an example of Islamophobia within an academic institution. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.
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