Bengaluru (PTI): Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh on Friday chaired a meeting with police and Karnataka State Cricket Association office-bearers to review security and safety arrangements ahead of the IPL match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The 19th edition of the world’s biggest T20 league begins on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener here, according to the schedule.

On April 5, RCB will take on CSK.

A statement said Rajneesh was briefed on security arrangements inside and around the stadium, changes to the city’s traffic system, parking arrangements, drinking water facilities, and other essential measures to ensure the safety of cricket fans.

This is the first major game since 11 people were killed in a stampede during celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL triumph in June last year.

Rajneesh also received information on metro passenger density, train schedules, additional security at metro stations, and other safety measures, and gave instructions to prevent even minor incidents.

She directed officials to strictly follow government-imposed conditions and precautionary measures for organising the tournament.

Rajneesh further instructed the concerned officials and organisations to remain on high alert and to regularly exchange relevant information to ensure coordinated security measures.

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Bengaluru: A minute-long video is being widely shared on social media showing a classroom incident purportedly from PES University, Bengaluru, where a professor is allegedly seen calling a Muslim student a “terrorist” multiple times. According to claims circulating online, the professor identified as Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande repeated his remark caling the Muslim student a terrorist 13 times during the class on Friday, March 27.

Following the circulation of the video, fresh developments have emerged. PES University has suspended the professor pending a detailed enquiry. This was confirmed through an official document accessed by Vartha Bharati.

The document dated March 27 states, “A case of student complaint has been received. Pending a detailed enquiry into the matter, you are kept under suspension with immediate effect.” The order has been signed by the Vice Chancellor of the university. However, the document does not mention the nature of the incident or provide any further details.

Mohammed Haiyan, PR Secretary of Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), speaking to Vartha Bharati over a phone call, condemned the incident. He said the incident took place at the Electronic City campus of the university.

He added that they are demanding that an FIR be registered against the professor. He also said that the NSUI has already registered an NCR with the local police. However, an FIR has not been registered so far in connection with the case.

A report by The Observer Post has made several additional claims regarding the incident. It stated:

“In PES University, Bengaluru, a professor allegedly verbally abused a Muslim student named Affan in class. Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande reportedly called him a "terrorist" 13 times and said, "Iran war happened because of people like you," "Trump will take you away," and "You are idiots, you will go to hell." These remarks were made in front of around 60 students, creating a humiliating environment. CCTV footage that could have been evidence was allegedly deleted, raising concerns about accountability. Some students who supported Affan were reportedly suspended for "talking during class." The professor later apologized to the college but not directly to Affan, while the department head allegedly pressured him further.”

However, Vartha Bharati could not independently verify all of these claims mentioned in the report.

Vartha Bharati has sent an email to the university and Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande seeking clarification on the incident and the action taken. A response is awaited. The story will be updated once an official reply is received.