The tragic death of a 19-year-old college student from Dharamshala has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting urgent action from top educational authorities. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken serious note of the incident, announcing the formation of a fact-finding committee and vowing that the guilty will face stringent consequences.
Allegations of Prolonged Torment and a Family's Anguish
According to reports, the second-year student allegedly endured prolonged ragging and sexual harassment at her college. Her family states that this relentless torment pushed her into severe mental distress and caused her physical health to deteriorate drastically. The victim's father, Vikram Kumar, filed a police complaint detailing a harrowing account of assault and intimidation.
On September 18, 2025, he alleged, his daughter was assaulted by three of her fellow female students. In a more grave accusation, he also named a college professor, accusing him of engaging in indecent acts with the young woman. The cumulative effect of these incidents, as per the complaint, left the student traumatised, deeply fearful, and battling depression alongside serious health complications.
Her condition continued to worsen despite seeking treatment at multiple hospitals. She ultimately passed away during treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana on December 26, 2025.
A Father's Plea and a Mother's Quest for Truth
Speaking to ANI, a heartbroken Vikram Kumar made an emotional appeal for justice. "My daughter is no more. I need justice. The accused girls and the professor should be punished. What happened to my kid should not happen to anybody else," he stated. The victim's mother, Ritu, emphasised the need for a meticulous investigation, saying, “I don't want any innocent to get caught. I want a thorough investigation; we have all her medical reports. I want justice for my daughter.”
The family revealed that the initial shock of their daughter's illness and death delayed their formal police approach. However, they had registered a complaint regarding the ragging and harassment earlier via the Chief Minister's helpline on December 20.
Police and Political Response: FIR Filed, Probe Demanded
Following the allegations, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR names three female students and one professor and invokes relevant sections of the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) as well as the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009.
The case has also drawn political attention. The CPI(M) met the Director General of Police in Shimla, submitting a memorandum demanding a fair and impartial inquiry led by a senior police officer. The party extended condolences to the family and raised concerns over an alleged delay in police action. They also highlighted the potential angle of caste-based discrimination, as the victim belonged to a Scheduled Caste community.
The DGP has assured that the investigation will be conducted under senior supervision. Meanwhile, the UGC has reiterated that student safety remains its paramount concern and has promised strict action based on the findings of its committee, as the grieving family continues its painful wait for justice.
