Dharamshala: A 19-year-old college student died on December 26 while undergoing treatment after allegedly facing prolonged mental, physical and sexual harassment at a college in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala. The case has drawn widespread attention after a purported video surfaced on social media in which the young woman, lying in a hospital bed, described the alleged abuse she said she endured at the hands of a professor and senior students.
Police have confirmed that a case has been registered following a complaint by the student’s father. Authorities said a detailed investigation is underway, examining medical records, video evidence and statements of all those named in the complaint.
According to Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan, the allegations are being taken seriously and will be probed thoroughly. “Medical records, video evidence and statements of all concerned are being examined,” he said, as quoted by PTI.
Allegations of ragging and sexual harassment
The complaint alleges that the student was ragged and assaulted by three senior students — identified as Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika — and was sexually harassed by a college professor, Ashok Kumar. The father alleged that his daughter was beaten by the senior students and subjected to “obscene acts” by the professor.
Police said the student’s health deteriorated over time following the alleged incidents, which reportedly included repeated mental and sexual harassment. She was eventually admitted for treatment but died on December 26 in Ludhiana.
A case has been registered under Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009.
What the student said in the video
The case gained national attention after a video, purportedly recorded while the student was in hospital, began circulating online. In the video, the young woman describes what she said was sustained harassment by a professor at her college.
When asked to identify him, she names “Ashok sir.” Responding to questions about his behaviour, she says, “Peeche padh jaate the. Ajeeb harkatein karte the” — meaning, “He would keep bothering me. He used to do strange things.”
When pressed to elaborate, the student appears visibly uncomfortable. A woman recording the video asks whether she would like her father to step outside the room. The student declines and continues, saying, “Touch wagerah karte the. Bahut kuch bolte the” — “He would touch me and say many things.”
The video also mentions intimidation and mental harassment after she allegedly objected to the professor’s conduct. Investigators are examining the authenticity of the video and its evidentiary value as part of the ongoing probe.
Professor denies allegations
The accused professor has denied all allegations. According to PTI, he claimed that the student was not enrolled in his class during the current academic session and said she had studied under him in an earlier session. Some faculty members have reportedly come forward in his support.
Police said they will verify the professor’s claims as part of the investigation and examine institutional records, attendance registers and academic documents.
Background of the student
Preliminary findings by the police indicate that the student was enrolled in the college in 2024. During her first year, she allegedly faced ragging by senior students and failed her BA first-year examination.
After the results were declared in July 2025, she reportedly stopped attending classes. Her name was dropped from the college rolls on August 21, 2025, according to police sources.
Investigators believe that in September, the student visited the college again in an attempt to continue her studies. She was reportedly told that she could be admitted to the second year only if she cleared her re-evaluation; otherwise, she would have to re-enroll in the first year. Police are examining whether this period coincided with the alleged harassment.
UGC orders fact-finding probe
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken cognisance of the incident and announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
“Student safety is paramount,” UGC officials said on Friday, adding that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. “Culprits will not be spared, and stringent action will follow,” the commission stated.
The committee is expected to examine institutional mechanisms related to anti-ragging measures, grievance redressal systems and compliance with UGC guidelines on sexual harassment and student safety.
Questions on campus safety
The case has reignited concerns about campus safety, the effectiveness of anti-ragging frameworks and the handling of sexual harassment complaints within educational institutions. Activists and student groups have called for greater accountability, faster investigations and stronger protections for vulnerable students.
As the investigation continues, police have urged the public not to draw conclusions until all evidence is examined. Authorities said they are committed to ensuring a fair probe and delivering justice based on facts and law.
The death of the young student has left her family seeking answers and accountability, while the video she recorded has become a stark reminder of the fears many students face behind institutional walls.
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