Daijiworld Media Network - Dharamshala

Dharamshala, Jan 2: A college professor and three female students in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, have been booked for ragging and sexual assault of a 19-year-old student, which allegedly led to her death.

An FIR has been registered under Sections 75, 115(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009. The complaint, lodged by the victim’s father, alleges that the students physically assaulted and intimidated his daughter, while the professor subjected her to obscene acts.

The harassment reportedly left the girl mentally disturbed and extremely frightened, resulting in a serious decline in her health. She was treated at multiple hospitals in Himachal Pradesh before being referred to a hospital in Ludhiana, where she passed away on December 26, 2025. The delay in reporting the incident to police was attributed to her prolonged critical illness and the family’s shock after her death.

Police officials said a preliminary inquiry was conducted before registering the case. The investigation will examine allegations of ragging, physical assault, intimidation, sexual misconduct, and the sequence of events leading to the student’s deteriorating health and death.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Thakur condemned the incident, calling it “shameful” and alleging police negligence. He demanded a high-level, impartial investigation to ensure justice for the victim. Police have assured that a thorough inquiry will be carried out and those found responsible will face strict legal action.