Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – A 19-year-old Dalit college student died on December 26 following alleged sexual harassment and ragging at a government college. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the student’s family a fair investigation. The state government suspended an Assistant Professor in connection with the case.
Chief Minister Assures Fair Probe
Chief Minister Sukhu spoke with the family members on Saturday night . He underscored the state’s commitment against harassment and injustice. The Chief Minister assured the family of all possible help. He pledged a transparent, rigorous, and time-bound investigation. He reaffirmed the government’s solidarity with the family. CM Sukhu stated that all responsible parties will face accountability under the law.
Professor Suspended, FIR Registered
The state government suspended Assistant Professor (Geography) Ashok Kumar on Saturday . Kumar taught at Government College, Dharamshala. His suspension links to the student’s death. An FIR for sexual harassment was registered against him. The decision followed the registration of this FIR.
Allegations of Harassment and Ragging
The student’s father filed a complaint detailing the incidents. He alleged his daughter was beaten by three senior students on September 18 . The father also stated that the college professor engaged in obscene acts with her. These events reportedly occurred at the Government College, Dharamshala.
A video of the student later surfaced on social media. In the video, she accused the professor of mental harassment. She also stated he committed indecent acts. The student claimed the professor intimidated her after she protested his behavior. Her father alleged these incidents caused his daughter severe mental stress. This stress led to a rapid deterioration of her health. She died during medical treatment on December 26 .
Legal Charges Filed
Police registered a sexual harassment case against Professor Ashok Kumar. Additionally, three female students face charges. They are booked for voluntarily causing hurt and common intention. These charges fall under Section 115(2) and 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They also face charges under Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act 2009.
Multiple Agencies Launch Investigations
Several national and state commissions have initiated probes into the student’s death:
- University Grants Commission (UGC): The UGC established a five-member fact-finding committee. This committee will investigate the student’s death. The UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline registered a suo-motu complaint, prompting this action.
- National Commission for Women (NCW): The NCW took suo motu cognisance of the case on Saturday . It requested an action-taken report from the Himachal Pradesh police. This report is due within five days.
- State Commissions: The Himachal Scheduled Caste Commission also sought a report. The state women’s commission joined this request. Both commissions directed their requests to the Kangra Superintendent of Police.
The multiple investigations aim to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the student’s death and bring accountability.