A high-level fact-finding committee constituted by the Himachal Pradesh government visited a state-run college in Dharamshala on Monday, intensifying the probe into the tragic death of a 19-year-old student. The visit comes eleven days after the student's demise on December 26 and four days after the registration of a formal First Information Report (FIR).
Committee Records Statements, Questions Suspects
The expert panel, formed by the state's Directorate of Higher Education, reached the college campus to conduct its on-ground investigation. The committee recorded detailed statements from female students at the college regarding the circumstances leading to the death. During its visit, the panel also questioned two of the four individuals identified as suspects in the case.
In addition to current students, the committee members interacted with students who had shared academic sessions with the victim during the 2024–25 year. These students provided their accounts in written form to the panel. While the committee chairperson and members refrained from making any public comments, the principal of the college confirmed the panel's presence and the commencement of its official probe.
Allegations of Ragging and Sexual Assault
The victim's father has filed serious allegations, stating that his son was subjected to ragging by three students. In light of these accusations, the committee's scope includes investigating claims of both ragging and sexual assault. The panel is expected to record the statements of three of the four women suspects, as well as an assistant professor connected to the case. The committee is also likely to formally record the statement of the grieving father to document his allegations comprehensively.
Amarjeet Sharma, the Director of Higher Education for Himachal Pradesh, addressed the ongoing investigation. "Our high-level team reached the college and started its probe today," he stated. "It is very premature to make any comment at this stage." This indicates that the committee is in the initial evidence-gathering phase, and conclusions will be drawn after a thorough examination of all facts.
Path Forward and Demands for Justice
The case has cast a spotlight on the persistent issue of ragging in educational institutions and the mechanisms in place to prevent it. The state government's swift formation of a fact-finding committee underscores the gravity of the incident. The community and the victim's family await a transparent and conclusive report from the authorities, hoping it will lead to accountability and justice.
The next steps for the committee involve:
- Completing the recording of all witness and suspect statements.
- Analyzing the collected evidence and college records.
- Submitting a detailed report to the government with its findings and recommendations.
The outcome of this probe is being closely watched, as it will have significant implications for campus safety protocols and anti-ragging enforcement in Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
