A senior professor at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) in West Bengal has landed in controversy after a video of her allegedly “marrying” a first-year student inside a classroom went viral. The incident, which took place in the Applied Psychology Department, has led to an official inquiry, and the professor has been sent on leave until the investigation is complete.
Bengal Professor’s Classroom ‘Marriage’ Video Viral
The video, widely circulated on social media, shows the professor dressed as a bride, performing traditional Bengali wedding rituals such as ‘sindoor daan’ (applying vermilion) and ‘mala bodol’ (garland exchange) with the student. A handwritten certificate, signed by three witnesses, also surfaced online, further fueling the controversy.
As the video gained traction, criticism poured in from various quarters, prompting the university administration to step in. The institution formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter, and both the professor and the student have been asked to stay away from classes until the probe concludes.
Professor claimed that it was a part of drama
The professor, however, maintains that the incident was being misinterpreted. She claims it was merely a psycho-drama demonstration as part of her academic curriculum. Speaking to the media, she said.
It was a planned act for the fresher’s event, nothing more. Some people have intentionally leaked selective videos to tarnish my reputation.
According to her, the demonstration was meant to be an educational exercise, showcasing elements of psychology through role-playing. She also alleged that a colleague had leaked the videos with malicious intent and vowed to take legal action.
University’s internal investigation was underway
MAKAUT’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Tapas Chakraborty, confirmed that an internal investigation was underway. “The professor has explained that it was part of a demonstration on her subject. The videos were not for external circulation,” he said. However, he acknowledged the backlash and added.
In light of the controversy and the videos going viral, we have asked her to proceed on leave until the inquiry committee submits its findings.
A five-member inquiry panel has now been constituted to look into both the nature of the event and the circumstances surrounding the video’s leak. Other faculty members and students present at the event will also be questioned as part of the investigation.
Some Professor raises ethical concerns
While the professor stands by her claim that it was an academic exercise, not everyone is convinced. Some university officials and fellow educators argue that such an event should not be conducted within an academic setting. A senior professor at MAKAUT reportedly stated,
Even if it was meant as a demonstration, this kind of enactment inside a classroom raises ethical concerns.
Additionally, the university’s teachers’ union has lodged a complaint against the professor, questioning whether her actions align with professional standards.
The professor insists she has done nothing wrong and has vowed to fight the allegations legally. Meanwhile, the university’s inquiry committee is expected to submit its findings in the coming weeks, which will determine the next course of action.
For now, both the professor and the student remain suspended from academic activities as the university attempts to address the growing concerns over the incident.
