Dharamsala College Student’s Death: Teacher Gets Interim Relief; Multiple Probes Underway

Dharamsala: The death of a 19-year-old Dalit student of Government College, Dharamsala, allegedly following sustained ragging and physical, sexual and mental harassment, has triggered widespread public outrage and intensified scrutiny of campus safety and institutional accountability in Himachal Pradesh.

As the police investigation continues, Assistant Professor Ashok Kumar, named as the main accused, has received interim protection from arrest after approaching the District and Sessions Court, Dharamsala, seeking anticipatory bail.

District and Sessions Judge Chirag Bhanu Singh directed that the accused shall not be arrested in connection with FIR No. 3/2026, registered under Sections 75, 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Education Institution (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009, until the next hearing on January 12.

The interim relief is subject to the accused furnishing a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the same amount. The court also ordered that he must join the investigation whenever required by the police.

Statutory Commissions Step In

The Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes has sought a detailed report on the incident. Commission Chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman said the matter was being taken seriously, adding that “any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh State Women Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the case. Chairperson Vidhya Negi said a status report has been sought from the Superintendent of Police, Kangra, and that she has instructed the police to ensure a fair, impartial and thorough investigation. The commission has also asked for regular updates on the progress of the probe.

Education Department Orders Separate Inquiry

The Education Department has launched a parallel probe into the incident. A high-level committee, chaired by the Additional Director of Education and comprising three college principals, has been constituted.

The panel has been asked to submit its report to the Education Secretary within three days. Officials clarified that this fact-finding inquiry is separate from the departmental proceedings already initiated against the accused professor and that its findings will be shared with the Kangra police.

Victim’s Video Emerges

A video recorded by the student before her death has surfaced on social media, adding a crucial dimension to the case. In the footage, recorded while she was hospitalised, the student names “Ashok sir” and alleges that he followed her, touched her inappropriately while pointing towards her chest and made objectionable remarks.

Police sources said the video was recorded in November 2025, several weeks before her death, though the exact date is yet to be verified.

Senior police officials described the footage as vital evidence, which is expected to play a significant role in the preparation of the chargesheet against the accused and any other persons found involved.

The case has reignited concerns over the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions, especially where allegations involve misuse of authority by faculty members. Pressure continues to mount on law-enforcement agencies and the administration to ensure accountability and justice.

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