Bengaluru: A controversy has erupted at a private engineering college in the city after a professor allegedly referred to a Muslim student as a “terrorist” during a classroom session, triggering widespread outrage.
The incident reportedly took place at a PES institution in the Banashankari area, where Professor Dr Murulidhar Deshpande is accused of using objectionable and abusive language while addressing students. A video of the incident has surfaced online and is now widely circulating on social media.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred a couple of days ago during a class attended by around 60 engineering students. It is alleged that the professor, frustrated over classroom disturbances, verbally abused students and repeatedly used the term “terrorist” while addressing a minority student.
Controversy erupts in #Bengaluru. @NSUIKarnataka lodged a police complaint against an adjunct professor for allegedly calling a student a terrorist when class was in session. Dr Muralidhar Deshpande was suspended by PES University on VC's orders. @BlrCityPolice @seemantsingh96 pic.twitter.com/QoxafVEDeI
— Prajwal D'Souza (@prajwaldza) March 28, 2026
The video has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with student groups condemning the remarks as inappropriate and discriminatory. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has also filed a complaint with the police and the college administration, demanding strict action against the professor.
Following the complaint and growing public outrage, the college administration has placed the professor under suspension. Authorities have stated that an internal inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the facts of the case.
Reports also suggest that the student concerned approached the authorities, alleging repeated use of offensive language in front of classmates. The incident has raised serious concerns about conduct and sensitivity within educational institutions.
Police are also examining the matter based on complaints received, while the institution has assured that appropriate action will be taken following the inquiry.
The episode has sparked a broader debate on classroom ethics, responsibility of educators, and the need for maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for students.
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