Shivamogga police have taken Dr. Ashwin Hebbar, an assistant professor at Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), into custody following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a postgraduate student.
According to SIMS Principal Virupakshappa, the incident occurred during a dinner gathering held at a hotel, attended by SIMS faculty and students. During the event, Dr. Hebbar allegedly behaved inappropriately with the PG student.
The aggrieved student brought the matter before the college’s internal complaints committee, prompting an inquiry. Subsequently, Dr. Hebbar was issued a summons for questioning regarding the allegations.
However, following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) at the women’s police station, he reportedly stopped attending college without official leave, the principal confirmed.
The People’s Lawyers Guild Association strongly criticized the delay in his arrest. Association representative K P Sripal addressed the media, demanding prompt legal action and asserting that police should not succumb to any external influence. He also urged the SIMS authorities to refrain from shielding the accused faculty member.
Further scrutiny revealed that Dr. Hebbar had been previously accused of similar misconduct three years ago. In that earlier instance, he had secured a court-ordered stay on legal proceedings.
After evading authorities since the latest FIR was filed, Dr. Hebbar was finally apprehended on Friday.
The arrest has sparked discussions around institutional accountability and the urgency of addressing repeated harassment allegations.