BELAGAVI: A PhD scholar allegedly attempted suicide by consuming pills after being denied her PhD degree at Rani Chennamma University in Belagavi. The incident occurred after the 14th convocation of Rani Channamma University, where the scholar was expecting to receive her PhD degree, but it was not awarded.
Sujata Bende (32), who was pursuing her PhD in History, alleged that Vice Chancellor Prof C M Thyagaraj and Registrar Santosh Kamagouda deliberately targeted her and refused to award her the degree. Sujata had lodged a complaint against her guide, Prof K L N Murthy, alleging harassment, which led to his suspension.
Although the issue was resolved, she was still denied her PhD degree. Sujata claimed that she had been targeted and that her PhD was being withheld intentionally. Her family members alleged that the university authorities were responsible for her condition and demanded action against them.
The university authorities claimed that Sujata had withdrawn her complaint against Murthy and that the syndicate had decided to award her the degree in a meeting scheduled for December 4. Vice-Chancellor Prof C M Thyagaraj stated that the university had followed due process and that the syndicate would discuss the matter in its meeting on December 4.
At a press conference on Monday, the V-C mentioned that Sujata had completed her research in 2025 and that the university would take a decision on awarding her the degree after the syndicate meeting. The university had informed Sujata about the decision to hold the degree award, and she was aware of the process.
Sujata’s condition is stable, and she is receiving treatment at a hospital. The incident has sparked controversy, with allegations of mismanagement and bias against the university authorities. The police have taken note of the incident, and an investigation is under way.
