Dharwad, June 6 -- A controversy has erupted at Karnataka University, Dharwad, after a research scholar and student groups alleged that a professor from the Department of Botany engaged in inappropriate conduct involving a former PhD student and subsequently harassed another research scholar in connection with the matter.

The allegations, which have now been brought to the attention of the university administration, have triggered demands for an independent inquiry and disciplinary action if the claims are found to be true.

According to complaints submitted to university authorities, the professor allegedly had a personal relationship with a woman research scholar who had enrolled for PhD studies under his guidance. Student representati...