Kolkata, Feb 4 (PTI) – A senior female professor from the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) in West Bengal has offered to resign, citing her inability to continue at the institution following the viral circulation of a controversial video. The video, which shows the professor allegedly "marrying" a student inside a classroom, sparked widespread outrage when it surfaced online on January 28.
The professor, who serves as the Head of the Department of Applied Psychology at the state-run university, was filmed participating in Hindu Bengali marriage rituals with a first-year student from her department. The incident, which took place at MAKAUT's Haringhata campus in Nadia district, has become a subject of intense scrutiny.
MAKAUT Registrar, Partha Pratim Lahiri, confirmed that the professor had sent an email to his office on February 1, expressing her desire to resign due to the "current situation" surrounding the video, which she claimed had left her "mentally devastated." In her email, the professor also thanked the university for the opportunity to serve there for the past few years.
Lahiri mentioned that the university had requested the professor to take a leave of absence following the incident. "Her resignation letter is currently under review, and we will announce our decision at an appropriate time," Lahiri said.
The video, which shows the professor dressed in bridal attire, was filmed inside a classroom and quickly gained traction on social media. In her defense, the professor had initially claimed that the video was part of a psycho-drama project staged for academic purposes, with the consent of both students and the university administration. She also alleged that a colleague had intentionally leaked the video in an attempt to damage her reputation and career.
Despite her claims, the university's five-member inquiry panel, comprising only female faculty members, dismissed her version of events. The panel concluded that the video was not part of an educational project, but rather a "cheap skit" that had been staged during a fresher's welcome program. MAKAUT's Officiating Vice-Chancellor, Tapash Chakraborty, criticized the incident, stating it was highly inappropriate for a senior academic figure.
The professor has indicated her intention to take legal action to protect her reputation and seek redress for the harm caused by the incident. However, she could not be reached for further comment on the matter.
This ongoing controversy has raised significant questions about professional conduct within higher education institutions, especially concerning the boundaries between academic activities and personal behavior.
The professor, who serves as the Head of the Department of Applied Psychology at the state-run university, was filmed participating in Hindu Bengali marriage rituals with a first-year student from her department. The incident, which took place at MAKAUT's Haringhata campus in Nadia district, has become a subject of intense scrutiny.
MAKAUT Registrar, Partha Pratim Lahiri, confirmed that the professor had sent an email to his office on February 1, expressing her desire to resign due to the "current situation" surrounding the video, which she claimed had left her "mentally devastated." In her email, the professor also thanked the university for the opportunity to serve there for the past few years.
Lahiri mentioned that the university had requested the professor to take a leave of absence following the incident. "Her resignation letter is currently under review, and we will announce our decision at an appropriate time," Lahiri said.
The video, which shows the professor dressed in bridal attire, was filmed inside a classroom and quickly gained traction on social media. In her defense, the professor had initially claimed that the video was part of a psycho-drama project staged for academic purposes, with the consent of both students and the university administration. She also alleged that a colleague had intentionally leaked the video in an attempt to damage her reputation and career.
Despite her claims, the university's five-member inquiry panel, comprising only female faculty members, dismissed her version of events. The panel concluded that the video was not part of an educational project, but rather a "cheap skit" that had been staged during a fresher's welcome program. MAKAUT's Officiating Vice-Chancellor, Tapash Chakraborty, criticized the incident, stating it was highly inappropriate for a senior academic figure.
The professor has indicated her intention to take legal action to protect her reputation and seek redress for the harm caused by the incident. However, she could not be reached for further comment on the matter.
This ongoing controversy has raised significant questions about professional conduct within higher education institutions, especially concerning the boundaries between academic activities and personal behavior.
Last updated by a enewsx: