A student from a government college in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, has died, prompting police to file charges of ragging and sexual harassment against three senior students and a professor. The victim, a 19-year-old second-year student named Pallavi, allegedly faced abuse and harassment that led to a severe decline in her health.

According to the complaint filed by the victim's father, Vikram Kumar, the incidents occurred on September 18, 2025, when Pallavi was allegedly intimidated and assaulted by three senior students identified as Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika. The father further alleged that Ashok Kumar, a professor at the college, engaged in "obscene acts" with his daughter, causing her significant mental distress.

The complaint states that Pallavi's health deteriorated rapidly following these incidents, leading to hospitalizations across Himachal Pradesh. She was eventually referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana, Punjab, where she died on December 26, 2025, while undergoing treatment. The family delayed filing the complaint initially due to the trauma and shock caused by Pallavi's death. However, they decided to pursue legal action after viewing a video in which Pallavi described the abuse she endured.

Police have registered a case under sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (common intention) of the BNS, as well as Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act 2009. Kangra Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Ratan confirmed that a case has been registered and that a thorough investigation is underway. He stated that medical records, video evidence, and statements from all concerned parties are being examined. Police are working to determine if the alleged ragging, physical assault, intimidation, and sexual misconduct were directly linked to Pallavi's deteriorating health and subsequent death.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Pallavi enrolled in the college in 2024. It is alleged that she faced ragging by some students and subsequently failed her first-year BA examination. The college authorities claim she was attempting to gain admission into the second year.

Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has called for a high-level and impartial probe into the matter. The case has sparked outrage and concern, highlighting the persistent issue of ragging and harassment in educational institutions.