KULLU: One of the students accused in the Dharamshala Government College case, involving allegations of ragging and sexual harassment leading to the death of a 19-year-old Dalit student, has denied the charges, claiming innocence and also defending the professor named in the FIR. The case has sparked outrage and prompted investigations by the Himachal Pradesh government and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The controversy surrounds the death of Pallavi, a 19-year-old student, who passed away on December 26 while undergoing treatment at a Ludhiana hospital. Prior to her death, a video surfaced in which she accused a college professor, Ashok Kumar, of sexual harassment, indecent behavior, mental harassment, and intimidation. She also implicated three female students in ragging.
Following a complaint by the student's father, an FIR was registered against the professor and the three students under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of Ragging) Act. The charges include sexual harassment, voluntarily causing hurt, and ragging.
Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan confirmed that medical records, video evidence, and statements are being examined.
The accused professor, Ashok Kumar, has been suspended from his position pending a departmental inquiry. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the suspension was immediate following the FIR registration. However, Kumar has refuted the charges, asserting their falsity and expressing readiness to face consequences if proven guilty. He has also obtained anticipatory bail and is cooperating with the investigation. Kumar suggested that the situation might be a matter of destiny or karma tarnishing his long career.
Adding a twist to the case, the college administration has stated that the deceased was not enrolled as a student for the current academic year, as she had failed multiple subjects in her first year and did not re-enroll. College Principal Rakesh Pathania clarified that the student had failed subjects and was advised to repeat her first year but did not re-enroll. According to police investigations, the student stopped attending college after results were declared in July 2025, and her name was struck off the rolls in August 2025.
Despite this, the father alleges that his daughter faced harassment and assault by seniors on September 18, 2025, and accused the professor of indecent acts. He claims this led to severe mental stress and her eventual death. The father also alleged casteist remarks were made toward his daughter.
Amidst the controversy, the Himachal Pradesh Government has initiated a departmental inquiry, and the UGC has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter. Several organizations have staged protests demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against the culprits. The National Commission for Women has also sought a detailed Action Taken Report from state authorities.
