Outrage Over Dharamshala Student’s Death:The tragic death of 19-year-old Pallavi, a former student of Government Degree College here, has sparked widespread anger after distressing videos surfaced online showing her recounting alleged ragging and sexual harassment while on a ventilator. She passed away on December 26, 2025, during treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab, following a prolonged illness that her family links to severe mental trauma.
Kangra Police registered an FIR on January 1, 2026, against college professor Ashok Kumar on charges of sexual harassment and three female students—Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika—for ragging and related offences. The case invokes Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alongside Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009.
Pallavi’s father, Vikram Kumar from Sidhbari, alleged in his complaint that the harassment began on September 18, 2025, when the three students physically assaulted and intimidated his daughter. He further claimed the professor subjected her to inappropriate behaviour, leading to profound psychological distress that manifested in deteriorating health. “Had timely intervention happened, my daughter might still be alive,” he told reporters, criticising the college administration and initial police response.
The college principal, Rakesh Pathania, expressed condolences but clarified that Pallavi was not enrolled in the current session after failing subjects in her first year. He denied receiving any formal complaints of ragging, emphasising the institution’s active anti-ragging committee and zero-tolerance policy.
A colleague of the accused professor, from the Psychology Department, defended him, calling the allegations baseless and noting his long unblemished record.
Kangra SP Ashok Ratan confirmed the probe is underway, including scrutiny of medical records, witness statements, and the viral videos. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted a fact-finding committee to examine the incident independently.
Political reactions poured in swiftly. Himachal Congress chief Vinay Kumar demanded swift justice and a thorough inquiry. A CPI(M) delegation met the state DGP, questioning delays in action despite earlier helpline complaints. The ABVP sought accountability from authorities, while the college teachers’ association called for an impartial investigation.
As public demands for justice intensify, the case highlights persistent concerns over campus safety, ragging, and institutional responsiveness in educational settings.
