West Bengal Professor Resigns Amidst Marriage Controversy
Latest news reports from West Bengal detail a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding a professor at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT). A video showing the professor, head of the Applied Psychology department, seemingly performing a Hindu Bengali marriage ceremony with a student inside a classroom went viral on January 28. This [[breaking news]] sparked immediate outrage and intense public discussion.
Professor Offers Resignation
Following the circulation of the video, the professor has offered her resignation. A senior official at MAKAUT stated on Tuesday that she emailed the office, citing her inability to continue her work at the university due to the fallout from the incident. The email expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she’d been given at MAKAUT but also mentioned the significant mental distress caused by the controversy.
The Viral Video and its Aftermath
The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, shows the professor in bridal attire. The incident took place at the Haringhata campus in Nadia district. Initially, the professor claimed the video was a scene from a psycho-drama project, staged with permission from students and the university. She also accused a colleague of deliberately leaking a portion of this project to damage her reputation and career, promising legal action against them.
University’s Response and Inquiry
The university placed the professor on leave on January 29 and initiated an inquiry. A five-member panel, consisting entirely of female faculty members, investigated the matter. Their findings directly contradicted the professor’s explanation. According to an official, the panel concluded that the video depicted a “cheap skit” during a fresher’s welcome program, deeming it highly inappropriate for a senior teacher. The officiating Vice-Chancellor, Tapash Chakraborty, echoed this assessment.
Ongoing Investigation and University’s Decision
The university is currently reviewing the professor’s resignation email. While the professor’s claims of the video being part of a legitimate academic project have been dismissed by the university’s investigation, the impact of this incident on the reputation of MAKAUT is undeniable. This case highlights the need for stricter guidelines and oversight within educational institutions. This case is now under process and the university will take further decisions on this issue. The news updates will be shared as soon as possible.
The Public’s Reaction
The incident has ignited a strong reaction from the public, raising serious questions about the conduct of academics and the need for accountability in educational settings. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional conduct and the potential consequences of actions that contradict ethical standards and university regulations. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how MAKAUT will handle the professor’s resignation and what measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The latest updates will be shared very soon.
