Himachal College Tragedy: Student Dies After Ragging Assault, Professor Named in FIR
On January 2, 2026, police in Himachal Pradesh registered a serious case following the death of a young college student. The father of the student filed a First Information Report (FIR) after his daughter died on December 26, 2025. The case mentions ragging by senior students and alleged harassment by a college professor. (news via- The New Indian Express)
The victim was a 19-year-old second-year student at the Government Degree College in Dharamshala. She was studying in the Arts stream. Police said she faced repeated harassment that affected her health.
According to the FIR, the student was assaulted on September 18, 2025. Three senior female students named in the FIR are Harshita, Akriti, and Komolika. They are accused of ragging and assaulting the girl. The father also blamed them for threatening his daughter not to speak about the incidents.
The FIR also names a professor, Ashok Kumar, as an accused. The father alleged that the professor misbehaved with his daughter and touched her inappropriately. He said these actions caused her great stress and mental pain.
Before her death, the student recorded a video on her mobile phone. In the video, she spoke about what happened to her. She said she was touched in ways she did not like and was afraid to talk to others about it. The video was later submitted to the police by her family.
After the alleged assault and harassment, the girl’s health became weak. She was first treated in hospitals in Himachal Pradesh. As her condition worsened, she was moved to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana. There she died on December 26.
The father said he tried to get help earlier. He said he first complained to the Chief Minister’s helpline on December 20, but he felt the complaint did not receive proper attention. He only approached the police after his daughter’s death.
Police have booked the three students and the professor under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009. These laws deal with ragging, harassment, and serious physical harm. The investigation is ongoing.
The college administration has responded to the incident. The principal said the college has a strict no-ragging policy. He said no earlier complaint was made to the college. The college claims it did not know about the problems the student faced. The principal also said the student stopped attending classes and had academic problems, including failing some subjects.
Many people expressed shock over the tragedy. Local residents and student groups said the case shows serious problems in college safety. They called for strict action against those responsible and better protection for students. Some demanded that the police conduct a full and fair probe.
This incident has brought renewed attention to the issue of ragging in colleges. Ragging is illegal in India, but cases still occur in various parts of the country. Many students and parents fear speaking up because of pressure and shame. This tragedy has once again highlighted the need for strong action and better support systems for students in distress.
The police said they will question classmates, teachers, and other witnesses. They will also collect medical records to understand what caused the student’s health to get worse. The final findings will determine the next legal steps.
The family of the deceased is still grieving. They hope that justice will be served and that no other family has to suffer such a tragedy in future.
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