Former Vice-Chancellor of Hampi University M M Kalburgi was shot dead at his Kalyanagar residence by unidentified gunmen, police said.
“Dr Kalburgi was shot dead at his Kalyangar residence in Dharwad around 8.40 AM,” Dharwad Police Commissioner Ravindra Prasad said.
Kalburgi (77) was shot in his head after he opened the door of his house, Prasad said.
Asked how many bullets he sustained and who was behind in the attack, Prasad said police are awaiting details.
Kalburgi was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead, he said.
He was a scholar, academic and researcher who had landed in controversy on several occasions for his remarks on religious, social and other issues.
He was also a recipient of Central and state Sahitya Academy awards.
