Karnatak University suspends professor accused of harassment

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Following allegations of harassment by research scholars, Karnatak University Dharwad on Wednesday suspended a botany professor.

The order of suspension pending inquiry of botany professor Devaraj Tangudorai was issued by the university registrar even as a protest by students was under way on Wednesday.

Vice-Chancellor A.M. Khan said that Prof. Tangudorai has been placed under suspension while investigation is under way.

According to the complaint, the professor harassed a female research scholar pressuring her to marry him.

A male research scholar said that the professor repeatedly told him that his research work will progress only if he persuaded the female research scholar to meet him.

After these complaints surfaced, the university constituted an inquiry committee to examine the allegations and submit a report.

Following suspension, the professor has been asked not to leave Dharwad without permission and to appear before the inquiry committee whenever required.

According to sources, both the complainant and the professor appeared before the inquiry committee on Saturday and presented their statement.

The complainant reportedly submitted audio recordings in support of her version.

The professor reportedly shared his photographs with her on social media, leading to the discontinuation of her studies and return to her native district Vijayapura.

As the professor reportedly approached another research scholar from the same district to persuade her to return to Dharwad, the research scholar finally lodged a formal complaint with the registrar, the sources said.