Bengaluru: A college professor has been suspended after allegedly calling a Muslim student a “terrorist” multiple times during a classroom incident that was captured on video and widely circulated on social media.

The incident happened on March 24 at PES University, when Professor Muralidhar Deshpande reportedly began shouting at a student who had sought permission to leave the class. In the video clip recorded by another student, the professor is heard repeatedly using the term “terrorist.”

He is also heard making remarks such as “Sharam nahi aati tumko (Do you feel no shame)” and “I thought I will be very calm today.” The controversy escalated after the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) filed a police complaint demanding strict action against the professor.

In its complaint, the student body said, “A teacher from PES University, Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande, has allegedly humiliated a minority student by addressing them as belonging to a terrorist group. This act is highly condemnable and unacceptable. NSUI demands immediate suspension of Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande and a public apology video from him.”

According to the complaint, the professor also made a series of offensive remarks during the exchange, allegedly blaming the student for the Iran war, saying Donald Trump would “come and take him away”, and telling the student he would “go to hell”.

Following the backlash, PES University suspended the professor on Friday, March 27, pending further action. The episode has triggered widespread outrage, raising concerns over discrimination and conduct within educational institutions.

"A case of student complaint has been received. Pending detail enquiry into the matter you are kept under suspension with immediate effect," a letter signed by the Vice Chancellor PES university read, without mentioning the offense.