Munish Sood
Dharamshala
The mysterious death of a college student in Dharamshala has snowballed into one of Himachal Pradesh’s most sensitive and closely watched investigations, raising serious questions about campus safety, institutional accountability, and the handling of s*exual harassment and ragging complaints.
In a crucial development, the court on Saturday extended the interim bail of the accused professor and two female students till February 13, even as the police continue an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s d8eath.
The bail extension comes at a time when public outrage is mounting and pressure is growing on the administration to ensure a transparent and time-bound probe into the case, which involves allegations of ragging, sexual harassment, and institutional failure.
Bail Extension Amid Ongoing Probe
The interim bail of the accused professor and two students was due to expire on Saturday. After hearing arguments and reviewing the police status report, the court decided to extend their interim protection till February 13.
Sources confirm that four people have been named as accused in the case. Two of the students had earlier obtained interim bail, while the professor and another student were also granted temporary relief. With the investigation still at a crucial stage, the court has allowed the accused to remain on interim bail while further evidence is collected.
The police have submitted a detailed status report before the court outlining the progress of the investigation, the statements recorded so far, and the pending forensic and medical reports.
Key Evidence Still Awaited
Investigators say that several critical pieces of evidence are still awaited, including:
• The Medical Board Report on the cause of death
• Digital forensic analysis of multiple mobile phones
• Additional forensic inputs from the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL)
Senior officers involved in the probe say these reports are expected to play a decisive role in establishing whether the death was accidental, suicidal, or the result of sustained harassment and pressure.
“Several layers of this case are yet to be uncovered. The digital evidence in particular may reveal communication patterns, pressure tactics, and the psychological state of the deceased,” a senior officer said.
Digital Trail Under Scanner
In a major investigative move, the police have sent the mobile phones of two accused students to the forensic laboratory for deep data extraction. Investigators are attempting to retrieve deleted chats, call logs, emails, and social media activity that could provide vital clues.
Sources say the police are also analysing academic records, internal complaints, attendance registers, and hostel records to reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the student’s death.
The deceased student’s classmates, hostel mates, teachers, and family members have been questioned at length over the past several days.
A Case That Has Shaken the Education System
The case has triggered widespread concern across Himachal Pradesh’s academic circles, with students’ organisations, parents’ groups, and civil rights activists demanding strict action against those responsible.
Several student bodies have alleged that complaints of ragging and harassment are often suppressed by institutions to protect their reputation. The Dharamshala case, they say, has exposed a deeper rot in the education system.
“This is not just about one student. This is about the safety of thousands of students who live in hostels and depend on institutions to protect them,” said a student leader.
Political Heat Rises
The case has also taken a political turn, with opposition parties accusing the state government of shielding influential accused persons.
Leaders have demanded a court-monitored investigation and questioned why action was not taken earlier despite alleged warning signs.
“This case exposes the failure of the system. If the administration had acted in time, a young life could have been saved,” an opposition leader said.
On the other hand, the government has maintained that the investigation is being conducted in a fair and impartial manner.
Police Promise No Compromise
Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratn confirmed that the investigation is being carried out on all fronts.
“Every angle is being examined. We are questioning all concerned persons and analysing both physical and digital evidence. The interim bail has been extended by the court, but the investigation is continuing without any pressure or interference,” the SP said.
He added that the police are awaiting the remaining forensic and medical reports, which are expected to be submitted shortly.
