Himachal college student dies after alleged ragging, sexual assault; professor among 4 booked
A 19-year-old college in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala student died after months of treatment following alleged ragging, assault and sexual harassment by seniors and a professor. Police have registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the state's anti-ragging law. Authorities are probing the sequence of events, medical history and cause of death as the investigation continues.
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.
Alleged ragging, harassment
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.
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.
FIR registered under BNS and anti-ragging law
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.
Sexual harassment charges added after new facts
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.
Police probe into medical history and cause of death
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.