Bengaluru professor calls student ‘terrorist’ 13 times after disagreement, booked| India News
Manipal Campus Stunned After Professor’s Derogatory Remarks, Focus Shifts to Academic Freedom and Student Voice
Key Takeaways: Unacceptable conduct sparks university action, highlights need for respectful campus dialogue, and raises questions about student protection and free speech.
MANIPAL, KARNATAKA – A disturbing incident at the prestigious Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) in late November 2022 sent ripples of shock and concern across academic circles and beyond. An assistant professor was publicly accused of repeatedly verbally abusing a student with a religiously charged slur, sparking immediate outrage and prompting swift action from the university administration. The episode, widely circulated on social media, brought critical questions about campus conduct, academic freedom, and the protection of student voices to the forefront of national discourse. Omni 360 News delves into the details, reactions, and ongoing implications of this significant event.
The incident itself, widely reported by local and regional news outlets, unfolded during a classroom session. Accounts describe a disagreement between an assistant professor in the Civil Engineering department, identified as Ranjan Bhattacharjee, and a student. The student reportedly corrected the professor’s pronunciation of a term, a seemingly innocuous academic exchange that, in this instance, escalated dramatically. Instead of a constructive dialogue, the professor allegedly responded by calling the student a “terrorist” multiple times – some reports indicating as many as 13 instances.
What followed was a moment of remarkable composure and courage from the student, whose identity remains protected. A recording of the exchange, quickly shared online by fellow students, captured the student’s calm yet firm response, stating, “Being a Muslim, you cannot say that… Twenty-six/eleven was not a joke. You cannot use that term… No, sir, you can’t joke about that. My religion is not something you can joke about.” This dignified assertion in the face of blatant prejudice resonated deeply with many, underscoring the profound impact such hateful rhetoric can have within an educational environment. The student’s clear articulation of the hurt and offense caused highlighted the insidiousness of casual Islamophobia and its potential to foster hostile academic spaces.
The university administration responded with commendable speed. Upon learning of the incident and the widespread sharing of the classroom recording, Manipal Institute of Technology swiftly suspended Professor Bhattacharjee from his teaching duties. An internal inquiry was immediately launched to investigate the matter thoroughly. The university’s quick intervention was largely seen as a necessary step to uphold its values of inclusivity and respect. News sources in Udupi and Mangaluru, including local Kannada news channels and online portals, extensively covered the university’s decisive actions, reflecting the seriousness with which the incident was perceived in the community. The institute issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to fostering an environment free from discrimination, vowing to take appropriate measures based on the inquiry’s findings.
Beyond internal disciplinary actions, the incident also caught the attention of law enforcement. Following complaints, the Udupi police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Professor Bhattacharjee. The charges were filed under sections 153A and 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 153A addresses “promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony,” while Section 504 pertains to “intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.” This police involvement underscored the gravity of the professor’s remarks, moving the issue beyond an internal university matter to one with potential criminal implications.
While the primary focus of initial news reports highlighted the professor’s actions and the university’s response to him, concerns have also surfaced regarding allegations of disciplinary measures against students who reportedly voiced their objection to the professor’s conduct. These claims, though not universally detailed in immediate, widespread public reports from local media, highlight crucial questions about the balance between institutional discipline and student rights to free expression within an academic setting. Any perceived retaliation against students for speaking out against injustice could stifle vital dialogue and undermine the very principles of academic freedom and open inquiry that universities are meant to uphold. It reminds institutions of their dual responsibility: to protect students from discriminatory behavior and to safeguard their right to protest peacefully.
This unfortunate episode at Manipal Institute of Technology serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced in maintaining truly inclusive and respectful educational environments. For a 12th-standard student, understanding this means realizing that a university isn’t just a place for textbooks and exams. It’s a community where everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, regardless of their background. When someone in a position of authority uses harmful words, it breaks that trust. The quick response from the university shows that such behavior is unacceptable, and students have the right to speak up. It’s about ensuring that learning spaces are free from prejudice and that every student can participate without fear of discrimination.
The incident has opened a broader conversation about faculty training, sensitivity workshops, and mechanisms for students to report grievances without fear of reprisal. It emphasizes the critical need for educators to model respectful behavior and for institutions to foster a culture where diversity is celebrated, and hate speech has no place. As campuses strive to become truly global and inclusive, ensuring the safety and dignity of every student, and protecting their right to ethical expression, remains paramount. Omni 360 News will continue to follow developments as the academic community grapples with these essential questions.
