A prominent private university (Nirma University) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has initiated a week-long investigation into an altercation between a professor and a student during a campus event. This move follows the viral spread of a video showing the professor grabbing the student’s collar, which subsequently triggered protests.
The incident occurred during ‘Technofora 2026,’ a student event organized by Nirma University’s Institute of Technology from September 18 to 20. It took place after a performance by stand-up comedian Rajat Sood.
R.N. Patel, the university’s Director General, stated that a three-member committee, comprising senior deans and directors, would investigate the incident and submit its report within seven days.
What is the issue behind the controversy at Nirma University?
In a video quickly spreading on social media, Professor H.K. Patel, the Head of the Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Department, can be seen talking to students after stand-up comedian Rajat Sood’s performance. Amidst the address, a student from the audience shouted, “Hurry up, I have to leave for Panvel”, a dialogue from the 2010 film Golmaal 3.
Professor Patel snapped back, “Just go, then, brother,” and invited the student to the stage. The viral video also shows Professor Patel grabbing the student’s collar and challenging his conduct. He can additionally be heard cautioning the student that if a faculty member is disrespected, he would “go to any extent.”
After this video came to light, protests were held by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Congress-affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI). NSUI demanded a fair investigation, including securing CCTV footage, speaking with witnesses, and safeguarding the student from any academic harm.
According to the Nirma University’s Director General, R.N. Patel, the professor and the student had apologised to each other, and the student’s parents had also been contacted.
Stand-up comedian Rajat Sood has also shared his reaction to this controversy on social media. He mentioned realising that he was creating a “crime scene” and joked that it feels like he is always there whenever something unexpected happens. He also cleared the air about the Nirma University incident, stating that nothing happened to him, in response to people asking if the professor had questioned him too.
