HPNLU Student’s Suicide Attempt Sparks Probe into Ragging and Harassment Allegations
A disturbing incident at Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) has raised concerns about student welfare and campus accountability after a third-year BA LLB student allegedly attempted suicide in his hostel room on Tuesday night.
The student, identified as Nikhil Prakash, is reported to have attempted to hang himself using a bedsheet and also sustained an injury to his arm. According to reports, the bedsheet gave way, causing him to fall. He was rushed to the Community Hospital in Dhami and later shifted to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
The incident has triggered a police investigation as well as intense scrutiny of allegations surrounding ragging and harassment. Before the incident, the student reportedly recorded a video in which he alleged harassment by the university administration. His father, Ved Prakash, has claimed that his son was being targeted over what he described as false allegations.
Police personnel from Boileauganj reached the university campus soon after receiving information about the matter. Shimla Additional Superintendent of Police Gauravjeet Singh said legal proceedings have been initiated, including action under provisions related to abetment to suicide. However, the student’s medical condition has so far prevented authorities from recording his formal statement.
Meanwhile, HPNLU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Preeti Saxena confirmed that the university had received a complaint related to ragging. She stated that the matter is being examined by the competent authorities in accordance with the institution’s anti-ragging regulations and relevant legal provisions.
The university has emphasized that the inquiry remains ongoing. It also noted that the complainant had separately registered an FIR at Arki Police Station and that the university had informed the Dhami Police Outpost, as required under anti-ragging guidelines.
As investigations continue, the incident has drawn attention to the importance of safe campus environments, timely grievance redressal mechanisms, and strict enforcement of anti-ragging measures in educational institutions. Authorities are expected to determine the facts surrounding the allegations and fix responsibility based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
