Probe panel visits Dharamshala college in 19-yr-old death case

Investigation Launched After Student’s Death in Dharamshala

The Himachal education department formed a probe committee after the death of a 19-year-old student from a government college in Dharamshala. The committee visited the college on Monday to speak with students and teachers, according to officials.

Charges Filed Against Students and Professor

On Thursday, following a complaint from the victim’s father, three students were charged with ragging. A professor was charged with sexual harassment. The father alleged that the accused “harassed and levelled casteist remarks” at his daughter. College authorities stated that no complaints of ragging or sexual harassment were made before her death.

Committee Details

The four-member committee, led by the additional director of education, includes three principals. It must submit its report within three days to the education secretary. The panel interviewed students and teachers and collected records from the police.

Commission and UGC Response

The Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Castes Commission requested a report on the student’s death on Friday. The University Grants Commission (UGC) also took notice and formed a fact-finding committee. UGC officials stated, “The University Grants Commission has taken serious cognizance of the tragic incident at a Dharamsala college. It has been decided to constitute a fact-finding committee. UGC assures that culprits will not be spared, stringent action will follow. Student safety is paramount.”

Legal Actions Taken

Based on the complaint filed on December 31, a case was registered under sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It also includes Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009.

Details of the Incident

According to a police statement, “On September 18, 2025, three girls from the college had beaten and intimidated the victim, and the college professor used to sexually harass her. Following these reasons, the victim was scared and became unwell. She was treated at different hospitals and on December 26, 2025, the victim died while undergoing treatment at DMC, Ludhiana.”

Protests for Justice

Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protested outside the deputy commissioner’s office in Dharamshala on Monday. They demanded justice for the victim and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.