A series of viral videos allegedly showing a professor marrying a college student inside a classroom in West Bengal has put university officials on high alert. The videos, widely circulated on social media, depict traditional wedding rituals, including ‘haldi’ ceremonies and the exchange of garlands, raising serious concerns within the academic community.
Incident at Haringhata Technology College
The purported event took place at the Psychology Department of Haringhata Technology College in Nadia, approximately 150 km from Kolkata. The institution operates under the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT).
The professor at the center of the controversy, identified as Payal Banerjee, can be seen in the videos dressed in bridal attire and wearing garlands. Despite the footage, Banerjee has denied that a real wedding took place. She asserts that the act was part of an academic exercise designed for internal classroom purposes.
A lady Professor in MAKAUT is ‘getting married’ to her young student in the office. pic.twitter.com/coXaVGH7s7
— Abir Ghoshal (@abirghoshal) January 29, 2025
University officials, however, are taking the matter seriously. Banerjee has been placed on leave while a three-member panel has been established to investigate the incident. “We cannot take any stern action without proper investigation,” an official stated.
Viral Videos and Public Outrage
Among the videos making rounds on social media, one clip shows ‘haldi’ being applied to the student, a ritual in Hindu weddings, while another captures the pair exchanging garlands and taking seven steps around a candle symbolizing the sacred fire. Additionally, the student is seen applying sindoor (vermilion) to Banerjee’s hair parting and presenting her with a rose.
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Adding to the controversy, a university letterhead has also surfaced online, allegedly signed by Banerjee and the student, declaring their acceptance of each other as spouses. The document reportedly contains signatures of three witnesses from both sides.
Professor’s Defense and Ongoing Investigation
Banerjee, a seasoned psychology professor, has maintained that the entire act was a “psychological drama” conducted as a teaching method to illustrate key psychological concepts. She further alleged that the videos were leaked with malicious intent to tarnish her reputation.
The investigation is ongoing, and university authorities are expected to release further statements in the coming days. The controversy has sparked debate about the ethical boundaries of classroom experiments and the responsibilities of educators in maintaining professional decorum within academic institutions.
