As demands for justice grow following the death of a 19-year-old college student in Himachal Pradesh&rsquo;s Dharamshala, the accused assistant professor, Ashok Kumar, said on Saturday that he is prepared to face legal consequences if proven guilty.
The student passed away on December 26 while undergoing treatment in Ludhiana. According to the complaint filed by her father, she was subjected to ragging by three fellow students and allegedly faced sexual harassment and caste-based remarks from the professor.
Earlier this week, the victim&rsquo;s family approached the authorities, accusing the professor and three students of sustained mental harassment. Following the allegations, the Himachal Pradesh government suspended Ashok Kumar on Saturday. The same day, a Dharamshala court granted him anticipatory bail, instructing him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The professor denied all allegations, stating that he had no academic connection with the student during the current semester. He said the investigation should determine the truth and added that he was ready to accept the outcome, citing his long teaching career without prior complaints. He also said his suspension would help ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry.
The case gained national attention after a video, allegedly recorded by the student before her death, circulated widely on social media. In the clip, she accused the professor of inappropriate behaviour, mental distress and intimidation.
Police said the first complaint was received through the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Sankalp Seva Helpline, after which a special investigation team was constituted.
In addition to the police probe, the Himachal Pradesh government has set up a four-member committee led by the additional director of higher education to conduct a preliminary inquiry. The panel has been asked to submit its report within three days, while a parallel criminal investigation continues.
The University Grants Commission has also constituted a five-member fact-finding committee to examine the circumstances leading to the student&rsquo;s death and assess institutional responsibility.
The incident has triggered protests in Dharamshala, with students and activists demanding strict action against those responsible.
Meanwhile, the principal of the government college clarified that the deceased was initially enrolled as a first-year student in the 2024&ndash;25 academic session. Although she attended some second-year classes later, she was required to repeat the first year after failing three subjects. As she did not re-enrol, the college stated that she was not officially on its rolls at the time of the incident.

Suspended professor denies charges as probes intensify after student’s death

Dharamshala Student Death: Professor Responds

Suspended professor denies charges as probes intensify after student’s death

January 4, 2026 | 17:07 IST