Bengaluru, March 28 (NationPress) The police in Bengaluru have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against a professor from a private university for allegedly labeling a Muslim student as a 'terrorist' during a lecture.

The Girinagar police have applied Sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 352 (intentional insults likely to provoke a breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

The accused, Professor Muralidhar Deshpande from PES University, was suspended on the same day due to widespread backlash following the circulation of a video capturing the incident on social media.

This event occurred on March 24 at the university's premises located on Banashankari Ring Road in Bengaluru.

A video recorded by a student went viral, revealing that Professor Deshpande directed offensive remarks towards a Muslim student named Affan, using the term 'terrorist' at least 13 times in front of an audience of approximately 60 students.

The police have taken suo motu cognizance of this case, and an FIR has been lodged with Affan identified as the victim.

The FIR mentions that the complainant discovered the incident through a social media post.

Given the potential for this incident to disturb communal harmony, the police officer initiated legal proceedings.

Professor Deshpande is also accused of making other derogatory comments, including assertions such as, 'The Iran war happened because of people like you,' 'Trump will take you away,' and 'You are idiots, you will go to hell.' These remarks contributed to what students described as a hostile and humiliating environment in the classroom.

The widely shared video depicts the professor allegedly singling out Affan and making offensive statements during the class.

This incident has sparked intense criticism, with many denouncing it as an example of religious discrimination and hate speech in an academic setting.

Furthermore, allegations have emerged claiming that the CCTV footage from the classroom, which could have been crucial evidence, was deleted, raising concerns regarding accountability and transparency.

Additionally, some students who reportedly supported the victim faced suspensions, with the official reason cited as 'talking during class.'

Reports indicate that Professor Deshpande later submitted a written apology to the college administration, though he did not extend an apology directly to the student.

The department head has reportedly apologized on his behalf.

There are claims suggesting that the student endured indirect pressure.

Student organizations, including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), have filed complaints, labeling the incident as 'religious hate speech' and demanding stringent action.

In response to the public outcry, the university administration suspended the professor and announced that an internal investigation is underway regarding this matter.