New Delhi, Jan 3 (.) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo moto cognizance of the death of the second year 19 year old student of a government college in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharmashla.
The action was taken by NCW based on the reported incident of ragging, physical assault, and sexual harassment of the college student who died during treatment.
A detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) in this regard has been sought from the authorities within five days.
“The Commission strongly condemns this heinous, inhuman, and reprehensible act, which is a grave violation of the student’s life, dignity, and rights, and exposes a serious failure of the security mechanisms in educational institutions” NCW states.
NCW has also written to the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, directing him to ensure the immediate registration of an FIR, the arrest of all the accused, a fair and time-bound investigation, along with preservation of post-mortem and medical records.
A strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, anti-sexual harassment laws, and anti-ragging regulations have been asked to undertake.
In addition, directions have been issued for departmental action against the guilty/negligent faculty members, a review of the anti-ragging mechanism at the college, and strengthening of campus security, awareness, and counselling systems.
The 19 year old was admitted to Dayananad Medical College and Hospital.
Three senior students identified as Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika have been charged with ragging and voluntarily causing hurt, while a college professor from the same college Ashok Kumar has been booked for sexual assault.
Police investigation is underway.
. JMB SRY