Tumakuru, Karnataka | March 26, 2026: A classroom incident at Sri Siddhartha Medical College in Tumakuru, Karnataka, has drawn attention after a lecturer allegedly proposed to a female medical student during class hours. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media as a viral video of the incident, led to student protests and an alleged assault on the lecturer on campus.
According to NDTV, the lecturer, identified as an assistant professor named Abdul, has been suspended following the incident, and a First Information Report has been registered.
The lecturer entered a classroom during an ongoing session, distributed chocolates to students, and expressed his feelings to a female MBBS student in front of the class. He reportedly said “I love you” while addressing the student directly.
Reports from Hindustan Times indicate that the lecturer knelt down during the proposal, which drew immediate reactions from students present in the classroom.
Videos from the classroom show students reacting with surprise, with some appearing to laugh while others expressed discomfort. Reports indicate that the student did not reciprocate the proposal and appeared uneasy during the interaction.
The incident took place in a lecture hall in Tumakuru district. The lecturer made the proposal in the presence of a full class, which contributed to the situation drawing immediate attention among students.
NDTV reported that the student confronted the lecturer immediately after the proposal and asked him to speak to the principal. During the exchange, the lecturer claimed that the student had previously expressed her feelings toward him and stated that he had proof, including CCTV footage.
Following the classroom incident, a group of students allegedly confronted the lecturer outside the classroom premises. Several reports state that the lecturer was physically assaulted, with visuals circulating online showing him being hit, including with footwear.
According to reports, the lecturer attempted to leave the premises when he was confronted by students.
The confrontation reportedly occurred shortly after the classroom episode, leading to a brief disruption on campus before authorities intervened.
Reports by NDTV indicate that the lecturer was chased across the campus by students and was assaulted again near his car. He sustained injuries during the incident and later managed to leave the premises.
Authorities at Sri Siddhartha Medical College acknowledged the incident and initiated an internal inquiry. According to NDTV, the lecturer was relieved from teaching responsibilities pending investigation.
College officials stated that they are reviewing the sequence of events, including both the conduct inside the classroom and the subsequent assault involving students.
Local police were informed, and officials are examining video evidence and statements from those present.
According to The Hindu, a non-cognizable complaint was registered, while NDTV reported that an FIR has also been filed.
Some reports indicate that a complaint has been registered, though details regarding charges or legal action remain unclear at the time of reporting.
See also: Consent, Communication, and Coercion: Understanding Sexual Boundaries in Modern Relationships
The incident has drawn attention to professional boundaries in medical education. Institutional codes of conduct prohibit inappropriate interactions between faculty and students, especially within academic settings.
Faculty members hold positions of authority, and such interactions may involve power imbalance that can influence a student’s academic environment and sense of safety. Medical colleges typically address such concerns through internal mechanisms, including formal complaint committees.
The viral circulation of the video has led to wider discussion online about the conduct within academic institutions and responses to such incidents. Authorities continue to examine both the alleged misconduct and the events that followed on campus.
The investigation remains ongoing.
(Rh/MSM)