Himachal Pradesh College Case: Three Students Booked for Ragging, Professor Charged With Sexual Harassment After Student’s Death

Shimla/Dharamshala | January 3, 2026 Police in Himachal Pradesh have registered a case against three college students for alleged ragging and physical assault, and against a college professor for alleged sexual harassment, following the death of a 19-year-old woman student in Dharamshala. The student died on December 26 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana, police officials confirmed on Friday. The case was registered on Thursday after the victim’s father submitted a detailed complaint, alleging that his daughter had been subjected to physical violence, mental harassment and obscene behaviour at a government college in Dharamshala. Based on the complaint, police booked three senior students and a professor under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution Ragging Act, 2009. According to the complaint, the incident dates back to September 18, 2025, when the student was allegedly beaten by three senior students identified as Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika. The father further alleged that during the same period, a college professor, Ashok Kumar, indulged in obscene acts, mentally harassed his daughter and intimidated her when she objected to his behaviour. The victim’s father stated that due to the physical assault and continued harassment, his daughter’s mental and physical health worsened rapidly. She reportedly lived in constant fear and stress after the incidents, which led to her hospitalisation and eventual death during treatment. He said the family could not approach the police earlier because the student was deeply traumatised and unwell. Police officials said that a case has been registered under Sections 75, 115 and 3 of the BNS, along with Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution Ragging Act. Investigations are currently underway, and all allegations are being examined carefully. Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan confirmed the registration of the case and said the matter is being investigated thoroughly. He added that medical records, video evidence, and statements of all individuals involved are being reviewed to establish the sequence of events and verify the claims made in the complaint. The case gained public attention after a video, allegedly recorded by the student before her death, surfaced on social media. In the video, the student accused the professor of inappropriate behaviour, mental harassment and threats after she protested against his actions. The police said the video is being treated as an important piece of evidence. Officials also revealed that an earlier complaint had been received through the Chief Minister’s Sankalp Seva Helpline. An investigation team had been formed at that time, but the student’s statement could not be recorded because of her critical health condition. Later, police recorded the statement of her father, which led to the formal registration of the case. Preliminary investigation has shown that the student was enrolled in the college in 2024 and had faced ragging during her time there. She failed her BA first-year examination and stopped attending college after the results were declared in July 2025. Her name was removed from the college rolls on August 21, 2025. Police believe that the student visited the college again in September seeking re-admission. She was reportedly informed that she could be admitted to the second year only if she cleared the re-evaluation exam. If she failed, she would have to re-enrol in the first year, which may have added to her mental stress. Meanwhile, the accused professor has denied all allegations. He claimed that the student was not enrolled under him in the current academic session and said some colleagues have come forward in his support. The investigation, however, is continuing to verify all aspects of the case. ABVP state secretary Nancy Atal said that strict action must be taken against those found guilty to ensure that such incidents do not happen again and that campuses remain safe for students. Police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. [03/01, 08:39] Jefry Jenifer: Himachal Pradesh College Case: Three Students Booked for Ragging, Professor Charged With Sexual Harassment After Student’s Death In a tragic case from Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, police have booked three college students for ragging and physically assaulting a 19-year-old woman, while a college professor has been charged with sexual harassment. The student died on December 26 at a Ludhiana hospital, months after the alleged incidents, sparking outrage and calls for justice. The case was registered after the victim’s father filed a complaint detailing the harassment and assault. According to him, the three senior students—Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika—beat his daughter on September 18, 2025. At the same time, a college professor, Ashok Kumar, allegedly indulged in obscene behaviour and mental harassment, intimidating her when she protested against his actions. The father said the repeated harassment and fear caused severe stress, contributing to the deterioration of his daughter’s health. The police have filed the case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution Ragging Act, 2009. Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan confirmed that medical records, video evidence, and statements from all involved are being examined as part of a thorough investigation. The case drew widespread attention after a video, reportedly recorded by the student before her death, surfaced on social media. In it, she accused the professor of indecent acts, mental harassment, and intimidation. Earlier, the complaint had reached authorities through the Chief Minister’s Sankalp Seva Helpline, but her statement could not be recorded at that time due to her health. Police said the student had joined the college in 2024, faced ragging, failed her first-year BA exams, and later stopped attending college. She sought re-admission in September 2025 but was informed she could only enter the second year after clearing re-evaluation, adding to her stress. The professor has denied all allegations, claiming she was not his student in the current session. ABVP leaders have demanded strict action to prevent such incidents in the future. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are reviewing all evidence before proceeding further.