Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 27: A shocking incident unfolded at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (SSIMRC) on the outskirts of the city, where a professor allegedly proposed to a student during a classroom session, leading to tension on campus and his subsequent arrest and dismissal.

The incident occurred on March 23. According to reports, the professor, identified as Dr Abdul Rehaman Sharif, claimed in class that a student had expressed her love for him. He further stated that he was reciprocating the feelings and publicly said “I love you,” while also attempting to distribute chocolates to the students.

However, the student immediately objected and denied his claims, asking him to take the matter to the college principal instead. When the professor insisted there was CCTV evidence to support his statement, the student challenged him to produce proof.

Following the exchange, the professor left the classroom, but the situation soon escalated. Videos circulating online show a group of students confronting and allegedly assaulting the professor outside the classroom.

Based on a complaint filed by the college principal, Dr Divakar S V, women students accused the professor of misbehaviour and sexual harassment on campus. Despite being instructed not to enter the premises pending inquiry, the professor reportedly returned later the same day and allegedly held the student’s hand and behaved inappropriately, further aggravating the situation.

The Nelamangala Rural police have registered a case against the professor under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to outraging the modesty of a woman, making unwelcome sexual advances, and criminal trespass.

The college management has since terminated the professor from service. Police said further investigation is underway.

SSIMRC is a constituent college of Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education.