Dharwad: Karnatak University (KU), Dharwad, has suspended a Botany department professor following allegations of harassment made by research scholars. The suspension order was issued Wednesday by the university registrar based on complaints submitted by students and will remain in force pending completion of an inquiry.
Confirming the development, vice-chancellor Prof AM Khan said Prof Devaraj Tangudorai was placed under suspension while the investigation was under way.
According to the complaint, the professor allegedly harassed a female PhD scholar by pressuring her to marry him. A male research scholar also alleged that the professor repeatedly told him that the woman’s PhD work would progress only if he persuaded her to meet him.
Following the complaint, the university constituted an inquiry committee to examine the allegations and submit a report.
The issue triggered protests by students from the Botany department and other departments, who staged demonstrations outside the university’s administrative building, demanding immediate action. Amid mounting pressure, the university proceeded with the suspension.
KU has directed the professor not to leave Dharwad without permission and to appear before the inquiry committee whenever required. Sources said the committee, which met Saturday, recorded statements from those involved. The professor presented his version before the panel, while the complainant detailed the alleged harassment and reportedly submitted an audio recording purportedly containing conversations with the professor.
University sources further claimed that the professor was frequently seen with the female scholar and had allegedly shared photographs with her on social media.
As the matter gained attention, her parents reportedly took her back to their native place in Vijayapura district, leading to the discontinuation of her studies.
The professor is also alleged to have repeatedly approached another research scholar from the same district, asking him to convince the woman to return.
Unable to cope with the alleged pressure, the student lodged a formal complaint with the registrar.
“The inquiry is in progress, and further action will be taken based on the committee’s findings,” Prof Khan said.
