University faculty in Bengaluru suspended over Islamophobic remarks, police file NCR

A faculty member at PES University in Bengaluru has been suspended pending inquiry for allegedly making Islamophobic remarks against a student in a classroom.

A video, recorded on a phone, showing faculty member Muralidhar Deshpande calling a Muslim student “terrorist” in a classroom while scolding him, has gone viral on social media.

A police complaint was lodged by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), with its Bengaluru Central District president Lakshya Raj seeking immediate action. Acting on the complaint, Girinagar Police Station registered a Non-Cognisable Report (NCR) and said further action would depend on the response from the college management.

According to the complaint, the professor allegedly targeted a student, Affan, calling him a “terrorist” at least 13 times during a class attended by around 60 students. He is also accused of making a series of derogatory remarks, including statements such as “Iran war happened because of people like you”, “Trump will take you away”, and “You are idiots, you will go to hell”, creating what complainants described as a hostile and humiliating classroom environment.

They also alleged that CCTV footage from the classroom — considered potentially crucial evidence — was deleted, raising questions about accountability and transparency.

Lokesh B. Jagalasar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Division), said the affected student had approached the police and later sought time. “We will take action based on the complaint,” he said.

Mr. Raj told The Hindu that the police have advised complainants to first approach the institution’s management. He added that the police have promised action if the response is found inadequate, calling the incident “unfortunate” and stating that it should not be repeated.

Meanwhile, the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Karnataka chapter, strongly condemned the incident, terming it Islamophobia within an academic space. In a statement, SIO State secretary Mohammed Hayyan said such conduct violates the principles of inclusivity and mutual respect expected in educational institutions.

SIO has demanded strict action, including termination of the professor and initiation of legal proceedings, and urged the State government to introduce stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms to prevent discrimination on campuses.