Medical Professor Faces Criminal Charges Over Alleged Classroom Proposal to Student
What began as a shocking classroom incident has rapidly escalated into a full-blown criminal case, with Bengaluru police formally booking a medical college assistant professor for allegedly proposing to a student during a lecture. The episode has triggered widespread outrage, student protests, and even violence on the campus, highlighting serious concerns about academic conduct and student safety.
Details of the Accused and Institutional Response
The accused, identified as Abdul Rehman Sharif, 48, is an assistant professor attached to the department of microbiology at the Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre located in T Begur near Nelamangala. Authorities served him an official notice on Thursday as the investigation progressed.
Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police Chandrakanth MV confirmed that the professor's statement has been recorded by law enforcement. "As the charges against him are punishable by less than seven years, he was served a notice. He has been asked to appear before the investigating officer again when summoned," SP Chandrakanth stated, outlining the procedural steps taken.
Formal Complaint and Viral Video Evidence
College principal Divakar SV lodged a formal complaint with Nelamangala Rural police on Thursday, shortly after videos of the professor allegedly proposing to the student in the classroom went viral across various social media platforms. The visual evidence amplified public attention and intensified demands for accountability.
In his complaint, Principal Divakar revealed that the institution had previously issued a notice to Professor Sharif over allegations of inappropriate behavior. The college had explicitly directed him not to enter the campus until summoned for questioning. However, the accused allegedly violated these strict instructions and entered the college premises on March 23.
Allegations of Further Misconduct and Criminal Charges
The complaint details that during his unauthorized visit, the professor forcibly held the student's hand and behaved in an indecent manner during both afternoon and evening hours. Principal Divakar emphasized that these actions constituted not only harassment but also criminal trespass, as the professor deliberately ignored explicit institutional directives to stay away.
Interestingly, the principal's formal complaint does not specifically mention the classroom proposal incident that was captured in the viral videos. Nonetheless, based on the documented allegations, police have registered a comprehensive case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Legal Framework and Ongoing Investigation
The charges filed include BNS Section 74, which pertains to assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty; Section 75(1), addressing sexual harassment; and Section 329, covering criminal trespass and house-trespass. This multi-pronged legal approach reflects the gravity of the allegations.
Bengaluru Rural police have confirmed that further investigation is actively in progress. The case has drawn significant media scrutiny and public debate about ethical boundaries in educational environments, with many calling for stricter enforcement of professional conduct codes in medical institutions.
