Investigation Launched into Death of Dharamshala College Student Amid Ragging Allegations
Government Committee Investigates Student's Death
Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: The Himachal Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of a 19-year-old student from Government College-Dharamshala. This incident has ignited public outrage due to serious allegations of ragging and sexual harassment.
The fact-finding committee, established by the Higher Education Department, has commenced its inquiry on the college premises. Led by Harish Kumar, the Additional Director (Colleges), the five-member team includes principals from three government colleges and a senior official from the education department.
During their visit, the committee engaged with the college administration, scrutinized relevant documents, and evaluated the campus environment. They also recorded testimonies from students, particularly female students, to gather insights into the alleged harassment and the factors contributing to the victim's mental distress.
Principal Rakesh Pathania acknowledged the committee's visit but refrained from making any comments, citing the ongoing investigation. The panel is anticipated to present its findings to the state government within three days.
Political and Institutional Reactions
CM Orders Immediate Action
The incident has prompted significant political and institutional reactions. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared that the professor implicated by the student in a video statement would be suspended immediately. “This matter is being treated with utmost seriousness. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” the CM emphasized, assuring that there would be no leniency.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also formed a separate fact-finding committee after taking notice of the situation. Describing the incident as “deeply distressing,” the UGC stressed the importance of student safety and promised accountability to the victim's family.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
FIR Filed Against Students and Professor
Following a complaint from the victim's father, the Dharamshala police have filed a case against three students and a professor under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Anti-Ragging Act. The second-year undergraduate student passed away on December 26, 2025, after enduring severe physical and mental distress for nearly three months.
The Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission has requested a police report in light of allegations of caste-based abuse, while the State Women’s Commission has also taken notice and instructed the Kangra SP to provide a detailed report. Investigators are currently examining all aspects of the case, including conflicting video statements that have emerged during the investigation.