Himachal college student dies after sexual assault; professor and 3 female students booked

A second-year student of the Government Degree College in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh state, died on December 26 after being subjected to sexual and mental harassment. The incident is said to have occurred on September 18, 2025, when three senior students, Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika, allegedly subjected the victim to physical assault and threats. The police have already arrested three female students and the professor.

Victim recorded video before death

As per a report by NDTV, the victim had recorded a video of her experiences before she passed away. In this video, she accused the lecturer of touching her inappropriately and also narrated the mental harassment she was undergoing. She also claimed that her fellow students had assaulted and threatened her so as not to open her mouth.

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Family alleges health deterioration due to stress

According to the report by NDTV, her father revealed that the stress and agony due to the alleged indecent activity of the professor had a severe effect on her health. The family said that following the alleged beating and assault, she was admitted to multiple hospitals before passing away on December 26 at Ludhiana's DMC Hospital. They added that they couldn’t file a complaint earlier due to the shock of losing their daughter. However, after watching the recorded video on the alleged activities on December 20, the family approached the Ludhiana police and the helpline number of the Chief Minister, but no response came.

Police expand probe, review medical records

The case has been registered by the police under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009. Police officer Ashok Rattan has noted that the case, which initially was concerning ragging, has been widened in light of the allegations brought forth against the professor. The medical records of the student are also under review by the investigating authorities from various hospitals that the student has attended.

College cites academic issues, denies prior complaint

The college Principal Rakesh Pathania said that the student had failed three subjects in the first year, and as per the rules of the university, she couldn’t be promoted. “She approached the professor who teaches geography, her main subject, and it was explained to her that she had to take admission to the first year again. So, she was also depressed because of her results and felt we were deliberately denying her admission in the second year. Based on the information given to me by teachers, she has not attended classes since July 29”, he further said.

Pathania said the college administration attempted to contact the student’s parents after this, but their calls went unanswered.

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He also said, “We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to ragging. Students are encouraged to approach teachers on the ragging committee, and there are several women teachers she could have complained to, but she did not. The college did not receive any such complaint. Another complaint to the chief minister's helpline in December did not reach us because the name of another college was mentioned. We are cooperating with the police.”

He further added, “Harassment allegations are also being made. The professor in question has been teaching for years, and I don't want to say more about this because it is for the police to investigate.”

Dharamshala Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan said, “The matter is under active investigation. Sexual harassment was not included initially. As more facts emerged, relevant sections were added. A fair investigation will be ensured.”