In Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, a troubling case has emerged involving allegations of harassment and ragging that may have contributed to the death of a 19-year-old college student. Local police have registered a case against a professor and three female students from a government college following a complaint filed by the deceased's father.
The victim, Pallavi, was a second-year student at the Government Degree College in Kangra district. According to the father's complaint, the ordeal began on September 18, 2025, when three students, identified as Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika, allegedly intimidated and physically assaulted her under the guise of ragging. The complaint further alleges that Professor Ashok Kumar engaged in "obscene acts" with Pallavi, causing her severe mental distress.
The father stated that his daughter's health rapidly deteriorated following these incidents, leading to hospitalization and treatment at several hospitals in Himachal Pradesh. She was eventually referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana, Punjab, where she passed away on December 26, 2025.
The family delayed filing a formal complaint due to the trauma and shock caused by Pallavi's death. However, they decided to come forward after discovering a video recorded by Pallavi before her death. In the video, she detailed the harassment she faced, accusing the professor of inappropriate touching, mental harassment, and intimidation. She also spoke about other instances of mental and sexual harassment in college.
Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Dharamsala police station. The charges include sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009.
Kangra Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Ratan confirmed that a case had been registered and that a thorough investigation is underway. Police are examining medical records, video evidence, and statements from all concerned parties. SP Ratan stated that all aspects of the case would be investigated impartially. A police official stated that a detailed investigation will be needed to determine whether the allegations of ragging, physical assault, intimidation, and sexual misconduct had any link to the deterioration of Pallavi's health and her subsequent death. Statements from Pallavi's classmates, teachers, college authorities, and family members will be recorded during the investigation. Medical records from all hospitals where she was treated are also being collected to ascertain the cause of death and establish any possible link to the alleged incidents.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Pallavi was enrolled in the college in 2024 but allegedly faced ragging and failed her first-year examination. Her name was reportedly struck off the college rolls on August 21, 2025. She apparently visited the college again in September seeking admission and was informed that she would be admitted to the second year only if she cleared the re-evaluation; otherwise, she would have to re-enroll in the first year.
Professor Ashok Kumar has denied all allegations against him. Some teachers have come out in support of the professor. He stated that the student had studied under him in a previous academic session but was not his student in the current session.
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has called for a high-level and impartial probe into the case. The case gained momentum after the video allegedly recorded by the student before her death went viral on social media.
