Bengaluru Medical Professor Faces Sexual Harassment Charges After Campus Ban Violation
A professor at a private medical college on the outskirts of Bengaluru has been formally booked for sexual harassment following a disturbing incident where he allegedly re-entered the campus despite being barred and proposed to a female student in a classroom setting. The episode, which occurred on March 23 in Nelamangala taluk, escalated into a violent confrontation and gained widespread attention after videos circulated on social media platforms.
Classroom Proposal Sparks Immediate Backlash
In one of the viral video clips, the assistant professor is seen addressing a classroom full of students and claiming that a particular female student had confessed her "feelings" to him. He then proceeds to propose to her publicly in front of her classmates, even distributing chocolates as part of the gesture. The student immediately and forcefully objects, questioning when she had ever expressed such sentiments and demanding that he take the matter to the principal for resolution.
The professor insists that she had told him "I love you" and asserts that there is CCTV evidence to support his claim. This prompts the student to challenge him to produce the footage, at which point he leaves the classroom, stating he would speak to her the following day. The exchange highlights a clear power imbalance and the distressing nature of the public proposal.
History of Complaints and Campus Ban Violation
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by authorities, the professor had already been facing multiple complaints from students regarding alleged inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment prior to this incident. The college administration had initiated a formal inquiry into these allegations and had taken the precautionary measure of barring him from entering the campus premises pending the outcome of the investigation.
Despite this explicit restriction, the professor allegedly entered the campus on March 23 in direct violation of the college's order. The complaint further details that he "forcibly held" the student's hand and engaged in obscene and inappropriate conduct, causing significant distress among students and severely disrupting the academic environment. This blatant disregard for institutional authority compounded the seriousness of the situation.
Violent Confrontation and Legal Action
Tensions escalated rapidly following the classroom exchange. Additional videos from the scene show the student confronting the professor again, this time physically assaulting him with slippers. Other students joined in the altercation, shouting abuse and allegedly participating in the assault, turning the situation into a chaotic and violent confrontation.
Based on a formal complaint lodged by the college principal, local police have registered a case against the professor under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include assault, sexual harassment, and criminal trespass, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the alleged offenses. Authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation is currently underway to gather all pertinent evidence and statements from witnesses.
Broader Implications for Campus Safety
This incident raises critical questions about the enforcement of campus bans and the mechanisms in place to protect students from harassment within educational institutions. The fact that a professor with prior complaints could allegedly re-enter the premises and engage in such behavior underscores potential gaps in security protocols and accountability measures.
The widespread circulation of the videos on social media has amplified public scrutiny, putting pressure on both the college administration and law enforcement to ensure a transparent and just resolution. It also highlights the role of digital platforms in bringing such incidents to light and mobilizing community response against misconduct.
As the investigation progresses, stakeholders are calling for stricter adherence to disciplinary actions and enhanced safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future, emphasizing the need for a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
