A serious incident has shaken the academic community in Belagavi, where a 34-year-old PhD scholar attempted to take her own life. The scholar, identified as Sujata Pol, a resident of Chikodi town, was driven to this extreme step allegedly because she was not awarded her doctoral degree during the recent convocation ceremony of Rani Channamma University (RCU).
The Desperate Act and Immediate Aftermath
In a state of utter desperation, Sujata Pol consumed 19 sleeping tablets. She was immediately rushed to the BIMS Hospital in a critical condition. Following urgent medical intervention, doctors have reported that her condition is now stable. A formal case regarding the incident has been registered at the Chikodi police station.
The scholar had reportedly completed her research and submitted her thesis six months prior to the convocation. She and her family were expecting her to receive her PhD degree during this year's ceremony. They have alleged that the degree was deliberately withheld to target her.
A History of Allegations and a Withdrawn Complaint
This incident is not an isolated one in Sujata Pol's academic journey at RCU. Earlier, she had filed a formal complaint with the university's vice-chancellor, Prof CM Tyagaraja, and the registrar, Santosh Kamagouda. In her complaint, she accused her research guide, Prof KLN Murthy, of harassment.
Following this complaint, the university's Syndicate took action and suspended the guide. However, in a subsequent turn of events, Sujata Pol submitted a written statement withdrawing all her allegations. In her retraction, she stated that she was not in a stable mental state when she filed the initial complaint. An investigation into this matter is currently underway.
University's Clarification and the Current Status
In response to the growing controversy, Rani Channamma University issued a detailed clarification, firmly denying the allegations of withholding the PhD degree. The Registrar, in an official statement, provided a timeline of events.
The university stated that the notification announcing the award of the PhD to Sujata Pol was issued on May 10 with Register Number 249, and the student has already received this document. Her name was also included in the convocation eligibility list that was approved by the governor. Therefore, the university asserts that the PhD has already been formally awarded.
The clarification draws a distinction between the PhD degree and the convocation certificate. According to the university, while the PhD degree has been conferred, the physical convocation certificate is pending. The final decision on issuing the convocation certificate rests with the Syndicate. This decision will be based on the ongoing inquiry related to the student's earlier complaint against her guide and the explanations submitted by both parties involved.
This tragic event highlights the immense pressure and complex interpersonal dynamics that can exist within higher education institutions. It underscores the need for robust mental health support systems and transparent grievance redressal mechanisms for students.
