Scientist Fired for Allegedly Faking Wine Research Sues College

Says his civil rights were violated

A scientist accused of faking research on the health benefits of red wine sued the University of Connecticut, claiming it violated his rights in firing him.

Dipak Das sued the University of Connecticut, its president, provost and Board of Trustees, in Superior Court. He claims the two-year investigation and hearing process that lead to his dismissal was flawed and violated his civil rights.

The university's Health Center Special Review Board began investigating Das on allegations of research misconduct in January 2009.

Das had become famous for his research into health benefits from natural substances such as resveratrol and tocotrinols. Resveratrol is an ingredient in red wine thought to promote longevity in laboratory animals.