The death of a 19-year-old student from Government Degree College, Dharamshala, has sparked serious questions around campus safety after her family accused seniors and a professor of subjecting her to sustained harassment that allegedly pushed her into physical and psychological collapse.

The student died on December 26, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana. She had been battling severe health complications for months after an alleged incident inside her college in September.

According to her father, the ordeal began on September 18, when three senior students identified as Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika allegedly ragged, assaulted and threatened her. The complaint further alleges that a faculty member, Ashok Kumar, behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner, leaving the teenager traumatised and fearful of returning to college.

Teen’s Health Worsened After Repeated Hospitalisations

What followed was a steady decline in her health. Family members said she required repeated hospitalisation and was admitted to at least seven medical facilities across Himachal Pradesh as her condition worsened. Doctors eventually referred her to Ludhiana for specialised treatment, but she did not survive.

The family said they were unable to approach the police immediately due to the prolonged medical emergency and the shock of her death. A formal complaint was finally lodged on January 1, 2026, at the Dharamshala police station.

Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under provisions related to sexual harassment, physical assault, criminal intimidation and ragging under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act.

Dharamshala Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan said the scope of the case expanded as new details emerged. “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,” he said.

Investigators are now examining medical records, video evidence reportedly recorded by the student before her death, and statements from classmates, teachers and family members to determine whether the alleged incidents directly contributed to her death.

The probe is ongoing.