Bengaluru, Dec 1 (NationPress) A disturbing incident has emerged involving a PhD student from Rani Chennamma University (RCU) in Belagavi district, Karnataka. The student attempted to take her own life at her home in Chikkodi after claiming she faced harassment from university officials and was unjustly denied her PhD degree. This incident was reported under the jurisdiction of Chikkodi police station.

According to police reports, "The student had completed all necessary research and submitted her thesis six months prior. She accused the university of purposely delaying her degree and levelled serious allegations of sexual harassment against her research guide, K.L.N. Murthy, as well as Vice-Chancellor C. M. Thyagaraja and Registrar Santosh Kamagouda."

The student had previously lodged a complaint with the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, alleging harassment by her guide, Murthy. Although the issue received attention and actions were initiated against Murthy, she claimed that the harassment continued, and she was still denied her PhD degree despite meeting all academic criteria.

In a press briefing on Monday, Rani Chennamma University Vice-Chancellor C. M. Thyagaraja provided a detailed explanation. He confirmed that the student was conducting research in the Department of History and had submitted her thesis as required.

"She began her research in 2021 and completed it in 2025. Following her accusations against her guide, the matter was presented to the Syndicate, which called for an inquiry."

Thyagaraja noted, "The preliminary findings indicated that Professor Murthy was guilty of harassment, leading to his suspension through a formal order." He added that the student later retracted her complaint, but the Syndicate revisited the matter regarding her degree. However, a definitive decision could not be made before the convocation, resulting in her PhD degree not being awarded during the ceremony.

A special Syndicate meeting is scheduled for December 4, where a final verdict on awarding her PhD will be reached. Meanwhile, the police are continuing their investigation.

Reports indicate that the female student ingested more than 19 tablets on Sunday evening and was swiftly transported to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) Hospital, where she received urgent care and is now reported to be stable.

Previously, an internal grievances redressal committee examined her complaint and submitted a report on July 14, 2025. This committee found the allegations to be prima facie valid, concluding that Prof. Murthy abused his position, and his actions constituted sexual harassment as per applicable laws.