The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Saturday (January 3, 2026) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of a 19-year-old student in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, following alleged ragging, mental torture and sexual harassment. The Commission has strongly condemned this case and termed it as a gross violation of the life, dignity and rights of the student. Apart from this, questions have also been raised on the failure of security system in educational campuses and a letter has been written to the DGP of Himachal Pradesh, instructions have been given to ensure fair and timely investigation in the case and arrest of the accused.

NCW gave strict instructions regarding the matter

The National Commission for Women (NCW) issued a statement in the matter saying that the Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a very serious incident related to ragging, physical harassment and sexual harassment at the Government Degree College, Dharamshala, in which a 19-year-old student died during treatment. The Commission strongly condemns this heinous, inhuman and condemnable act, which is a gross violation of the life, dignity and rights of the student and highlights the serious failure of the security mechanism in educational campuses.

Letter written to DGP of Himachal Pradesh

The Women’s Commission said that the Honorable Chairperson has written a letter to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Himachal Pradesh directing him to ensure immediate FIR registration, arrest of all the accused, fair and timely investigation, preservation of post-mortem and medical records and strict action under the Indian Justice Code (BNS), 2023, anti-sexual harassment laws and prohibition of ragging rules.

At the same time, the Women’s Commission has also given instructions to take departmental action against guilty/negligent faculty members, review the anti-ragging mechanism in the college and strengthen campus security, awareness and counseling arrangements. Also, instructions have been given to submit the detailed action taken report (ATR) to the commission within the next five days.

Under which sections was the case registered?

Dharamshala Police has registered a case under sections 75, 115(2) and 3(5) of the Indian Code of Justice (BNS), which include sections like sexual harassment, voluntarily causing hurt and similar intent. Along with this, Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009 has also been imposed. Four girl students and a college professor have been made accused in this case.

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