The student passed away on December 26, 2025, while undergoing treatment in Ludhiana. According to the complaint filed by her father, the young woman was subjected to physical assault by three senior students and “obscene acts” by a college professor in Dharamshala.
The Chilling Video Evidence
A video recorded while the student was in the hospital has become the centerpiece of the investigation. In the footage, the student clearly identifies her harasser as “Ashok sir.”
- Details of Harassment: When asked about his behavior, she stated that the professor would “keep bothering” her and indulge in “strange acts.”
- Physical Misconduct: Despite her visible hesitation, she confirmed that the professor would “touch her” and say inappropriate things to her.
- The Seniors: The father’s complaint names three senior students—Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika—alleging they beat the victim, contributing to her declining mental and physical health.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Kangra Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Ratan confirmed that a formal case has been registered. The authorities are currently examining medical records, the viral video, and statements from college staff.
The charges filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) include:
- Section 75: Sexual harassment.
- Section 115(2): Voluntarily causing hurt.
- Section 3(5): Common intention.
- Section 3 of the HP Ragging Act: Prohibition of ragging in educational institutions.
The Defense and Background
The accused professor, Ashok Kumar, has denied all allegations. He and supporting faculty members claim the student was not enrolled in his current sessions.
- Academic History: Investigations reveal the student enrolled in 2024 but failed her BA first-year exams in July 2025, which police believe was partly due to the mental toll of the ragging.
- College Status: Her name was removed from the rolls in August 2025. She reportedly returned in September 2025 to seek re-admission, which is when further intimidation allegedly occurred.
National Response: UGC Fact-Finding Committee
The University Grants Commission (UGC) intervened on Friday, calling the incident a “serious lapse” in student safety.
- Committee Formation: The UGC is setting up a high-level fact-finding committee to visit the Dharamshala college.
- Statement: Officials stated that “student safety is paramount” and promised that “culprits will not be spared” if found guilty of negligence or active harassment.
Ragging and Harassment Statistics in India (2023-2025)
The prevalence of ragging remains a significant concern in Indian higher education. According to the UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline and recent academic safety reports:
- Reported Cases: In 2024, India recorded over 1,100 formal complaints of ragging.
- Gender and Campus Violence: Approximately 35% of female students in higher education report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or “eve-teasing” on or near campus.
- Suicides and Fatalities: Ragging-related fatalities and suicides have averaged 12-15 cases annually over the last three years.
- Action Taken: While complaints are high, the conviction or permanent expulsion rate in ragging cases remains under 10%, often due to lack of witness testimony or internal college pressure.