Dharwad: An assistant professor of the department of studies in Criminology and Forensic Science has been facing charges of sexual harassment from a student from West Bengal.

The university authorities have failed to initiate an inquiry into the matter despite a complaint being lodged a few months ago.

Now, when the complainant threatened to approach the home minister, the university authorities have formed a committee headed by a syndicate member to interrogate the professor. According to sources, the authorities were expected to take punitive action against the professor on August 8.

The student had complained to Vice Chancellor Dr. Pramod Ghai on December 19, last year and stated that the professor had threatened to cut her marks if she did not fulfil his sexual desires.

The authorities kept quiet for several months even though she had also alleged that the professor had slapped her, threatening her with rape. She had also stated in a written complaint that the professor did not respect the girl students.