The Himachal Pradesh government suspended assistant professor Ashok Kumar of a government college in Dharamshala on January 3, 2026. This came after charges of sexual harassment connected to a 19-year-old Dalit student's death in December 2025. On January 1, police filed cases against Professor Kumar and three female students from Government Degree College. The charges include ragging and voluntarily causing hurt. The state government quickly set up a four-member committee led by Additional Director of Higher Education Harish Kumar to investigate the death. The inquiry will look at all sides, including claims of sexual harassment by Ashok Kumar and caste-based abuse, according to Director of Education Amarjeet Sharma’s order. The professor is suspended immediately. During suspension, he must stay at the Directorate of Higher Education in Shimla and cannot leave without permission. The committee must submit a detailed report within three days. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said strict action will be taken against all involved. The victim passed away at a hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab, on December 26, 2025. Her father alleged that on September 18, 2025, three students—Harshita, Aakriti, and Komolika—beat and intimidated her. He also accused Ashok Kumar of inappropriate acts. The girl became severely traumatized and seriously ill after these incidents. Police have registered an FIR under sections for sexual harassment, causing hurt, common intention, and anti-ragging laws. The investigation is ongoing.