Dharamshala: Police in Himachal Pradesh have registered a criminal case against a college professor and three students in connection with allegations of ragging, sexual misconduct and the death of a 19-year-old student of Government Degree College, Dharamshala, officials said late Thursday.
The case was filed at Dharamshala police station following a complaint by the victim’s father, Vikram Kumar, a resident of Sidhbari. Based on his statement and an initial inquiry, an FIR has been lodged under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009.
Those named in the FIR include professor Ashok Kumar and three female students — Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika — all enrolled at the same college as the victim, Pallavi, who was pursuing her second year of studies.
According to the complaint, the alleged incidents date back to September 18, 2025, when Pallavi was reportedly assaulted and threatened by the three students. Her father further alleged that the college professor subjected her to inappropriate and obscene behaviour. Police said the complainant claimed that the alleged harassment left his daughter severely distressed and fearful, which was followed by a sharp decline in her physical and mental health.
Pallavi was initially treated at multiple hospitals within Himachal Pradesh as her condition deteriorated. She was later referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana, where she died during treatment on December 26, 2025.
The victim’s family told police that the complaint could not be filed earlier as Pallavi remained critically ill for a prolonged period and the family was dealing with trauma both during her treatment and after her death.
A senior police officer said the investigation will focus on examining the allegations of ragging, assault, intimidation and sexual misconduct, as well as determining whether there is a connection between the alleged events and the student’s medical condition leading up to her death. Statements of classmates, faculty members, college officials and family members will be recorded as part of the probe.
Authorities are also collecting medical records from all hospitals where Pallavi received treatment, including the Ludhiana hospital, to establish the cause of death and assess any possible links to the alleged harassment.
Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Rattan said the matter is being investigated thoroughly and impartially, adding that all aspects of the case will be examined in accordance with the law.
