Physics Wallah Teacher Suspended Over "Chor Ch%$ar" Casteist Slur: Viral Video Sparks Outrage

New Delhi- Popular edtech platform Physics Wallah (PW) has suspended a faculty member with immediate effect following a viral video showing him making derogatory casteist remarks during an online class. The educator, identified as Rishi Jain (Economics teacher), is heard comparing his appearance to actor Ravi Kishan and stating that if he resembled a "chor ch%m$a", it would have been difficult, while using the slur." The comment has been widely condemned as an insult to the Chamar community, a historically marginalized Dalit group.

The video quickly went viral on X , sparking outrage among users, Dalit activists, and students. Many demanded strict action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, with calls for FIR registration and boycotts of PW courses. Social media reactions ranged from anger over persistent caste prejudice in education to sarcastic comments questioning PW's repeated controversies.

In an official statement posted on X on March 21, Physics Wallah condemned the remarks, stating: "PhysicsWallah maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discriminatory or insensitive language. We are deeply concerned by the recent remarks made by a faculty member, which represent a grave violation of our core values and institutional code of conduct. Taking this matter with the utmost seriousness, the faculty member has been suspended with immediate effect pending a thorough investigation by a senior disciplinary committee. We offer an unconditional apology to the community. We remain committed to ensuring our platform is a space of dignity and respect for every student." The company added that the concerned educator has also tendered an unconditional apology, which PW shared at his request.

This swift response comes amid growing scrutiny of casteism in online education platforms, especially as the incident coincides with ongoing nationwide debates over UGC equity regulations and protests against caste discrimination in higher education.

The controversy draws parallels to a similar 2023 incident involving PW educator Manish Raj (popularly known as MR Sir). In August 2023, a viral clip showed him using the term "chamar" derogatorily during a lecture, saying something to the effect that if someone had a difficult life, "he should have been born a chamar so that he could polish boots" for a more peaceful existence. The remark hurt Dalit sentiments and led to widespread backlash.

Manish Raj apologized, claiming the comment was made "unconsciously and unintentionally," expressing shame and regret to the Dalit community. Physics Wallah issued a statement regretting the incident, emphasized inclusivity, and reportedly removed or distanced from the educator following public pressure. The platform, founded by Alakh Pandey, has faced criticism for recurring issues despite its zero-tolerance claims. Activists and users continue to monitor developments, with many urging accountability to prevent normalization of such language in classrooms.