UGC Orders Probe Into Dharamsala College Student’s Death, Forms Fact-Finding Panel

The University Grants Commission has taken serious cognisance of the death of a college student in Dharamsala and ordered a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Acting on media reports and preliminary findings, the higher education regulator has constituted a fact-finding committee to examine allegations of ragging, harassment and institutional lapses.

The case relates to the death of a 19-year-old second-year student of Government Degree College, Dharamsala, who died on December 26 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ludhiana. The student’s family has alleged that she was subjected to prolonged harassment on campus, which severely affected her physical and mental health, eventually leading to her death.

According to the UGC, a suo motu complaint has been registered through its Anti-Ragging Helpline after reports suggested that the student may have taken the extreme step following repeated harassment linked to ragging. The regulator said student safety remains a non-negotiable priority and any violation of anti-ragging norms would attract strict action.

Fact-finding committee constituted

In an official statement, the UGC confirmed that it has set up a fact-finding committee to conduct an independent assessment of the incident. The panel has been tasked with examining the sequence of events leading up to the student’s death, evaluating whether the college had adequately implemented anti-ragging regulations, and reviewing the effectiveness of internal grievance redressal mechanisms.

The committee will also assess whether there were any administrative or institutional failures that contributed to the situation. Based on its findings, the panel is expected to submit recommendations aimed at fixing accountability and strengthening safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The commission has reiterated that institutions failing to enforce anti-ragging rules or protect students’ well-being will face regulatory consequences, including disciplinary action under existing norms.

Police investigation and allegations

Parallel to the UGC probe, local police are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter. As per the first information report, three senior students allegedly assaulted and intimidated the victim during an incident on September 18. The accused have been identified as Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika.

A video recovered from the student’s mobile phone has emerged as a crucial piece of evidence. Recorded during her treatment, the video reportedly shows the student describing repeated instances of harassment. In the recording, she also named a college professor, Ashok Kumar, accusing him of inappropriate behaviour.

Following the alleged incidents, the student’s health is said to have steadily deteriorated over the subsequent months, culminating in her death. Based on the complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009.

The three senior students have been booked for ragging and voluntarily causing hurt, while the professor has been charged with sexual assault. Authorities have said the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on evidence.

Focus on student safety

The incident has once again brought the issue of ragging and campus safety into sharp focus. The UGC has reminded all higher education institutions of their obligation to maintain a safe, secure and supportive environment for students, stressing that zero tolerance must be shown towards harassment in any form.

As investigations continue, the outcome of the UGC’s enquiry is expected to play a key role in determining accountability and reinforcing the enforcement of anti-ragging measures across colleges and universities.