‘Sir Did Strange Things’: Himachal Student Recounts Sexual Harassment in Chilling Video Recorded Before Death

A 19-year-old college student died during treatment in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala on December 26, allegedly after being ragged by senior students and sexually harassed by a college professor. The case has drawn widespread attention after a purported video surfaced on social media showing the young woman in a hospital bed, recounting the ordeal she said she faced.

Confirming that a case has been registered, Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan said all allegations are being thoroughly investigated. “Medical records, video evidence and statements of all concerned are being examined,” he said, as quoted by PTI.

The FIR was lodged on the complaint of the student’s father, who alleged that his daughter was assaulted by three senior students — Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika — and subjected to obscene acts by a professor identified as Ashok Kumar. According to the complaint, the student fell ill following repeated physical, mental and sexual harassment. Her condition deteriorated over time, and she later died on December 26 in Ludhiana, police said.

Video allegations

The case gained traction after a video, purportedly recorded in hospital, began circulating online. In the clip, the student accuses the professor of indecent behaviour, mental harassment and intimidation after she objected to his actions. HT.com could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

In the video, the student names the professor when asked and alleges that he repeatedly harassed her. She claims he touched her inappropriately and made objectionable remarks, speaking in a subdued and distressed tone while her father was present in the room.

Legal action and probe

Police have registered a case under Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009. Investigations are ongoing.

The accused professor has denied all allegations. According to PTI, he has claimed that the student was not enrolled under him in the current academic session and that she had studied under him earlier. Some faculty members have reportedly come out in his support.

Background of the student

Preliminary police findings indicate that the student was admitted to the college in 2024, where she allegedly faced ragging. She failed her BA first-year examination and stopped attending classes after the results were declared in July 2025. Her name was removed from the college rolls on August 21, 2025.

Police said she later visited the college in September seeking readmission and was told she could move to the second year only if she cleared the re-evaluation; otherwise, she would have to re-enrol in the first year.

UGC steps in

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday said it has taken serious note of the incident and will constitute a fact-finding committee. Emphasising that “student safety is paramount,” UGC officials said those found responsible would face strict action. “Culprits will not be spared,” the commission said.