Professor Accused in Dharamshala Student Death Case Accepts Potential Punishment If Proven Guilty
In the wake of widespread demands for justice following the tragic death of a 19-year-old college student in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala, the accused assistant professor, Ashok Kumar, stated on Saturday that he is prepared to accept any consequences should he be found culpable.
The young woman passed away on December 26 while undergoing treatment in Ludhiana. Prior to her death, she had reportedly endured ragging by three female classmates and sexual harassment from the professor.
Her father lodged a complaint earlier this week, accusing the individuals of harassing his daughter and making casteist remarks.
On Saturday, the Himachal Pradesh government suspended Kumar from his position. He has strongly denied the claims, calling them “completely false.” A local court in Dharamshala granted him anticipatory bail earlier that day, requiring him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Speaking to reporters after the court decision, Kumar maintained his innocence, noting that the student was in his class only during the previous semester and not the current one. “I have no connection to this matter,” he said.
In remarks to news agency ANI, he emphasized that an inquiry is in progress. “If I am found guilty, I should face the consequences. I am prepared for this,” Kumar said, reflecting on his 26.5 years of teaching experience without prior accusations. He described the situation as a possible matter of destiny or karma that has tarnished his reputation but affirmed his readiness to face it.
Kumar acknowledged the suspension, suggesting it enables a fair probe, and stressed that justice must be served for both the victim and himself.
The case intensified after a video, purportedly recorded by the student shortly before her death, circulated widely on social media. In it, she allegedly detailed the professor’s inappropriate behavior, mental harassment, and threats when confronted.
Authorities received an initial complaint via the Chief Minister’s Sankalp Seva Helpline, prompting the formation of a police investigation team.
The state government has also appointed a four-member committee, led by the additional director of higher education, to conduct a preliminary inquiry, with a report due in three days. Education minister Rohit Thakur vowed strict action against any guilty parties, noting a parallel police probe.
Furthermore, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has established a five-member fact-finding panel to investigate the circumstances, including any lapses by college officials.
The incident has triggered protests in Dharamshala.
The college principal, Rakesh Pathania, clarified to ANI that the student had failed subjects and was advised to repeat her first year but did not reenroll, meaning she was no longer officially a student. The institution learned of the matter only when police arrived on December 22 and provided full cooperation.