Himachal college student dies after alleged ragging, sexual harassment; professor among 4 booked

New Delhi: A 19-year-old student of a Government Degree College in Dharamshala has died after battling severe physical and psychological trauma for over three months, allegedly caused by ragging, physical assault and sexual harassment on the college premises. The student succumbed during treatment at a private hospital in Ludhiana on December 26, 2025.

According to a police complaint filed by the victim’s family, the incident dates back to September 18, 2025. The complaint alleges that three senior female students, Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika,  subjected the student to violent ragging, including physical assault, intimidation and harassment. The family further alleged that a college professor, Ashok Kumar, committed obscene acts towards the student, leaving her traumatised and fearful.

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The complaint states that following the alleged assault and harassment, the student’s health began to deteriorate rapidly. She was initially admitted to hospitals in different parts of Himachal Pradesh and later referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC), Ludhiana, for specialised treatment. Despite prolonged medical care, she could not recover and died during treatment.

Shattered by the prolonged illness and eventual death of their daughter, the family approached the police a few days after her demise. On January 1, 2026, the victim’s father, a resident of Sidhbari near Dharamshala, lodged a formal complaint with the Dharamshala police, detailing the alleged harassment and assault.

Based on the complaint, police registered FIR No. 03/2026 under Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (criminal intimidation with common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009 has also been invoked. The accused named in the FIR include the three senior students and Professor Ashok Kumar.

Dharamshala Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan confirmed the registration of the FIR and said the case is under preliminary investigation. He noted that the initial complaint focused on the alleged actions of the senior students, while allegations of sexual harassment were added later.

“The matter is under active investigation. Sexual harassment was not included initially. As more facts emerged, relevant sections were added. A fair investigation will be ensured,” the SP said.

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Police officials also confirmed that the student had been admitted to at least seven hospitals during the course of her illness. Investigators are now examining medical records, witness statements and the sequence of events to determine the exact circumstances that led to her death. Further investigation is ongoing.