Rani Chennamma University compulsorily retires professor after PhD scholar attempts suicide

BELAGAVI: Rani Chennamma University in Belagavi has compulsorily retired a professor, who has been compulsorily retired due to allegations of harassment after a PhD scholar attempted suicide a few days ago.

Vice-Chancellor C M Thyagaraj on Friday said the university is taking steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. “There are rules governing how research students should be treated, and Prof K L N Murthy failed to follow these rules. A special syndicate meeting was held to discuss the incident, and two important decisions were taken”, he said. The V-C also announced that the university will award the PhD degree to the student if she meets the necessary requirements.

The RCU scholar is undergoing treatment in hospital.

A few days ago, 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.