Himachal College Student Dies After Alleged Ragging And Sexual Harassment; FIR Registered Against 3 Students And Professor
A first-year student at Government Degree College, Dharamshala, has died following what her family alleges was severe physical and psychological trauma stemming from ragging, assault, and sexual harassment on campus. The 19-year-old victim passed away on December 26, 2025, while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ludhiana.
The alleged incident occurred on September 18, 2025, according to the complaint filed by the victim’s family. Three senior female students—identified as Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika—allegedly physically assaulted and intimidated the teenager. The complaint also accuses college professor Ashok Kumar of committing obscene acts against her, which reportedly left the student in a state of severe psychological distress and fear.
Following the alleged assault and harassment, the student required hospitalization as her condition worsened. She received treatment at seven different hospitals throughout Himachal Pradesh before being transferred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC) in Ludhiana for specialized care. Despite medical intervention, she died during the course of treatment on December 26, 2025.
The victim’s family, devastated by her prolonged suffering and eventual death, filed a police complaint several days after her passing. On January 1, 2026, her father, who resides in Sidhbari near Dharamshala, formally lodged the complaint with local authorities.
Acting on the complaint, Dharamshala police registered FIR No. 03/2026 invoking multiple provisions of law. The case has been filed under Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (criminal intimidation with common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Additionally, Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009, has been applied. All four accused—the three senior students and Professor Ashok Kumar—have been named in the FIR.
Dharamshala Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan confirmed that an FIR has been filed and preliminary investigations are underway. He clarified that initial complaints focused solely on the student perpetrators, with sexual harassment charges being incorporated subsequently as additional evidence emerged during the investigation.
“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,” SP Ratan stated.
Authorities have verified that the deceased student was admitted to at least seven medical facilities during her illness. Investigators are currently working to establish a complete timeline of events and determine the exact cause of death.