Bengaluru Private University Suspends Professor Over Anti-Muslim Remarks
Bengaluru professor suspended for allegedly calling Muslim student a terrorist.
A professor at a prominent private university in Bengaluru has been suspended after allegedly calling a Muslim student a “terrorist” multiple times during a classroom session, triggering widespread outrage among students and civil society. The incident came to light after a video of the episode went viral on social media.
The incident reportedly took place on March 24 at the university’s Banashankari Ring Road campus. In the video, Professor Muralidhar Deshpande is seen repeatedly targeting a Muslim student, identified as Affan, calling him a “terrorist” at least 13 times in front of around 60 students.
In addition to the offensive remark, the professor allegedly made other derogatory statements, including “Iran war happened because of people like you,” “Trump will take you away,” and “You are idiots, you will go to hell,” creating a hostile and humiliating classroom environment.
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Concerns have also been raised about accountability, as reports suggest that CCTV footage from the classroom—which could have served as key evidence—was deleted. Some students who spoke in support of Affan were reportedly suspended, with the official reason cited as “talking during class.”
While Professor Deshpande later issued a written apology to the college administration, he did not directly apologise to the student. The department head is said to have apologised on his behalf, and allegations of indirect pressure on the student have emerged.
Student organisations, including the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), have condemned the incident as “religious hate speech” and demanded strict action.
Following the backlash, the university administration suspended Professor Deshpande and announced that an internal inquiry into the incident is underway. The case has reignited debates about accountability, inclusivity, and the prevention of discrimination in academic institutions.
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