Police in Himachal Pradesh have registered a serious case following the death of a 19-year-old female student, involving allegations of ragging by peers and sexual harassment by a professor at a government college in Dharamshala. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and a detailed investigation.
Chronology of a Tragedy: From Enrollment to Death
The student, who enrolled in the college in 2024, reportedly faced ragging during her very first year. Her academic journey was derailed, leading her to fail her BA first-year examination. After the results were declared in July 2025, she stopped attending classes, and her name was officially struck off the rolls on August 21. In a bid to continue her education, she reportedly returned to the college in September seeking re-admission.
The situation took a violent turn on September 18, 2025. According to a formal complaint filed by her father, the young woman was physically assaulted by three senior students identified as Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika. The father's complaint goes further, accusing a professor, Ashok Kumar, of engaging in obscene acts and subjecting his daughter to intense mental harassment and intimidation.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
The aggrieved father stated that the cumulative effect of sustained physical assault, harassment, and mental trauma led to a rapid decline in his daughter's health. She suffered severe psychological distress, required repeated hospitalization, and ultimately died during treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana on December 26. The father explained that the police complaint could not be filed earlier due to his daughter's traumatized state and ongoing medical treatment.
Acting on the complaint, police registered a case on Thursday. The charges are severe and multifaceted:
- Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (common intention).
- Under the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009.
Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. Police are examining medical records, video evidence, and statements from all concerned individuals to establish the exact sequence of events and fix responsibility.
Case Gains National Attention
The case exploded into the public domain after a video, allegedly recorded by the student before her death, surfaced on social media platforms. This development has drawn widespread attention and condemnation, putting immense pressure on the authorities to deliver justice.
The incident highlights the persistent and grave issue of ragging and harassment in educational institutions, raising critical questions about the safety of students and the accountability of faculty members. The police probe's findings will be crucial in determining the direct link between the alleged acts and the student's untimely demise.
