The Degree College Dharamshala case involving student Pallavi has triggered outrage in Himachal Pradesh. This explainer breaks down the allegations, investigation, and key unanswered questions
Kangra: The death of 19-year-old Pallavi, a student of Government Degree College in Dharamshala, has emerged as one of the most disturbing campus-related cases in Himachal Pradesh in recent years. Allegations of ragging, sexual harassment, caste-based discrimination, and institutional failure have combined to raise serious concerns about student safety and accountability in higher education institutions.
This article outlines the key issues at the centre of the case and why it continues to draw public and political attention.
Who was Pallavi and what happened to her
Pallavi was a resident of Sidhbari near Dharamshala and the daughter of Vikram Kumar. According to her family’s complaint, she was subjected to prolonged harassment on campus beginning in September 2025. The allegations include physical assault, intimidation, sexual harassment by a faculty member, and caste-based discrimination, as Pallavi belonged to the Dalit community.
Her family claims the harassment caused severe psychological trauma, leading to a steady decline in her mental and physical health over the following months.
What happened on campus
The central incident cited in the FIR dates back to September 18, 2025, when Pallavi was allegedly assaulted and ragged by three female students. The complaint also names a professor, accused of making obscene gestures and contributing to her distress.
The college administration has come under scrutiny for its handling of the matter. The family and rights groups allege that the institution failed to act, did not provide protection to the student, and lacked effective anti-ragging and internal complaints mechanisms.
Medical treatment and her death
After the alleged harassment, Pallavi reportedly suffered from depression and serious health complications. She received treatment at multiple hospitals in Himachal Pradesh before being referred to a private hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab.
She remained under treatment for over two months and died on December 26, 2025. Her death intensified demands for criminal investigation and institutional accountability.
Investigation
An FIR was registered on January 1, 2026, based on her father’s complaint. The case includes charges related to sexual harassment, causing hurt, common intention, and violations of anti-ragging laws. Authorities have indicated that provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act may be invoked if caste-based discrimination is established.
The police investigation currently focuses on:
- Establishing a medical and legal link between the alleged harassment and Pallavi’s death
- Examining hospital records, post-mortem findings, and witness statements
- Reviewing campus records, CCTV footage, and any prior complaints
- As of now, no arrests have been reported.
Steps taken by the UGC so far
Following public pressure, the University Grants Commission has constituted a fact-finding committee. This committee will probe the following things:
- Allegations of ragging and sexual harassment
- Compliance with mandatory anti-ragging rules
- Functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act
- The findings of this committee are expected to play a key role in determining institutional responsibility.
Public reaction
The case has sparked widespread outrage across Himachal Pradesh and beyond. Videos of Pallavi expressing fear have circulated widely on social media, triggering calls for justice and stricter enforcement of campus safety norms.
Rights organisations and student groups have described the death as preventable and are demanding a judicial probe. Opposition leaders have also sought a high-level investigation, accusing the administration of negligence.
Why this case matters
Beyond the individual tragedy, the Pallavi case has reopened uncomfortable questions about the effectiveness of anti-ragging frameworks in colleges, the safety of women and marginalised students on campuses, persistent delays in grievance redressal mechanisms, and the accountability of college administrations when complaints involve faculty members.
With investigations still ongoing, the case remains a critical test of how institutions and authorities respond when allegations of harassment escalate into loss of life.
