We study spectral behavior of sparsely connected random networks under the random matrix framework. Sub-networks without any connection among them form a network having perfect community structure. As connections among the sub-networks are introduced, the spacing distribution shows a transition from the Poisson statistics to the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble statistics of random matrix theory. The eigenvalue density distribution shows a transition to the Wigner's semicircular behavior for a completely deformed network. The range for which spectral rigidity, measured by the Dyson-Mehta $��_3$ statistics, follows the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble statistics depends upon the deformation of the network from the perfect community structure. The spacing distribution is particularly useful to track very slight deformations of the network from a perfect community structure, whereas the density distribution and the $��_3$ statistics remain identical to the undeformed network. On the other hand the $��_3$ statistics is useful for the larger deformation strengths. Finally, we analyze the spectrum of a protein-protein interaction network for Helicobacter, and compare the spectral behavior with those of the model networks.

accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. E (replaced with the final version)