Sat Jan 03 05:24:44 UTC 2026: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UGC Launches Investigation into Student Death Following Allegations of Sexual Assault and Ragging at Himachal Pradesh College

NEW DELHI – January 3, 2026 – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the death of a 19-year-old student at a government degree college in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, following allegations of sexual assault by a professor and ragging by fellow students.

The Himachal Pradesh police registered a case after a complaint by the victim’s father, alleging that his daughter was beaten and threatened by three students on September 18, 2025, while simultaneously being sexually assaulted by a professor. The father stated that the incident deeply traumatized his daughter, leading to a rapid decline in her health and multiple hospitalizations before her death on December 26, 2025.

The UGC’s statement noted the college is denying the charge that the student’s death was the result of ragging. However, the UGC’s anti-ragging helpline had registered a suo motu complaint in the matter.

The five-member committee, chaired by UGC Member Professor Raj Kumar Mittal, includes former UGC Member Sushma Yadav, the Vice-Chancellors of Gujarat University and Pondicherry University, and the Joint Secretary to the UGC as coordinating officer. They have been tasked with submitting a report within seven days.

The committee’s mandate includes a comprehensive review of the college’s compliance with UGC regulations on curbing ragging, sexual harassment, promoting equity, and ensuring effective grievance redressal mechanisms. They will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, evaluate institutional policies, and identify any “omission and commission on part of functionaries of the college and people responsible thereof.” Furthermore, the committee will suggest measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“A police enquiry is underway, and UGC has already constituted a Fact-Finding Committee to examine the incident,” the UGC stated. “UGC assures that culprits will not be spared and that stringent action will follow. Student safety is paramount.”

The UGC urges anyone in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help by calling the provided numbers.

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