Karnataka PhD Scholar Attempts Suicide After Alleged Harassment and Degree Denial at Rani Chennamma University

A PhD student from Rani Chennamma University (RCU) in Karnataka's Belagavi district attempted suicide at her residence in Chikkodi following alleged harassment by university authorities and the unjustified denial of her PhD degree, as reported on Monday.

Police authorities confirmed the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chikkodi police station.

According to police reports, the female student had consumed over "19 tablets" on Sunday evening before being rushed to medical care.

The student had completed her research and submitted her thesis six months prior. However, she alleged that the university deliberately withheld her degree. She raised serious accusations of sexual harassment and targeted persecution against her research guide, KLN Murthy, along with Vice-Chancellor CM Thyagaraja and Registrar Santosh Kamagouda.

Previously, the student had filed a formal complaint with the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, accusing her guide Murthy of sexual harassment. Despite action being initiated against Murthy following the complaint, she claimed she continued to face discrimination and was denied her PhD degree despite meeting all academic requirements.

In a press conference on Monday, Vice-Chancellor CM Thyagaraja provided a comprehensive explanation of the situation. He confirmed that the student was pursuing research in the Department of History and had properly submitted her thesis.

According to Thyagaraja, the student began her research in 2021 and completed it in 2025. After her harassment allegations against her guide, the matter was presented to the Syndicate, which ordered an investigation.

"The preliminary report found Professor Murthy guilty of harassment, and we had decided to take action. He was suspended through a formal order," the Vice-Chancellor stated.

Thyagaraja explained that although the student subsequently withdrew her complaint, the Syndicate revisited the matter and considered awarding the degree. However, since no final decision could be reached before the convocation ceremony, the PhD degree could not be conferred at that time.

A special Syndicate meeting has been scheduled for December 4 to make a final decision regarding her PhD award, the Vice-Chancellor announced. Police are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Medical professionals at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) Hospital in Belagavi provided emergency treatment to the student after she was brought in following the suicide attempt. She is now reported to be out of danger.

An internal grievances redressal committee had previously investigated the complaint and submitted its findings on July 14, 2025. The committee determined the allegations to be prima facie true, concluding that Prof. Murthy had misused his position and that his actions constituted sexual harassment under applicable laws.