A professor at Bengaluru's PES University has been accused of repeatedly calling a Muslim student a "terrorist" during class, sparking outrage over religious discrimination on campus and raising questions about student safety at one of India's prominent private engineering institutions.
The incident occurred during a computer science lecture when the professor, identified by students as teaching a core engineering subject, allegedly singled out the Muslim student multiple times with the slur, according to The News Minute.
Witnesses say the student initially tried to ignore the comments, but the professor persisted, using the term "terrorist" at least three times during the session. Other students in the classroom reported feeling shocked and uncomfortable as the harassment continued.
Student Speaks Out
The targeted student, who has not been publicly identified, filed a formal complaint with university administration. Fellow students have rallied in support, posting on social media about the incident and demanding accountability.
A billion people aren't a statistic - they're a billion stories. For one student showing up to learn computer science, the classroom became a site of religious harassment. The impact extends beyond one individual to every Muslim student wondering if they're safe on campus.
"This is not about one professor," a classmate told student journalists. "This is about whether Muslim students can study here without being labeled terrorists just for existing."
University Response
PES University issued a brief statement acknowledging it had received a complaint and stating that an internal inquiry has been initiated. The professor in question has reportedly been asked to stay away from classes pending the investigation.
The university's statement emphasized its "commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all students" but provided no timeline for the inquiry or indication of potential disciplinary measures.
