- HPNLU Shimla student attempted suicide, alleging ragging and harassment.
- Nikhil Prakash recorded a video blaming students and university staff.
- University states ragging inquiry is ongoing, investigating all complaints.
Amid the ongoing IIT Bombay suicide case, another alarming incident has come to light from one of the country's prominent institutions. A third-year student at Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, is currently undergoing medical treatment following a suicide attempt on Tuesday. Before attempting suicide, the student recorded a video in which he levelled various allegations.
The law student identified as Nikhil Prakash attempted suicide after making serious accusations of ragging and misconduct against both students and staff. He is currently receiving treatment at IGMC Shimla, and local police are actively investigating the matter.
He was initially taken to the Community Medical Centre at Dhami before being transferred to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla. According to Bar & Bench, the incident follows a ragging complaint lodged against Nikhil by some of his batchmates.
What did he say in the video?
In the video, Nikhil was seen emotional, crying while narrating his ordeal, directing serious accusations against the university administration and specific students. He alleged that despite repeatedly approaching university officials and teachers, his grievances were ignored and he faced prolonged harassment from certain individuals.
Nikhil claimed the complaint against him was false and that the university was unwilling to properly examine his evidence despite repeated requests. He expressed deep frustration over having to make frequent visits to the police station, noting that the ordeal had caused him severe mental distress and disrupted his studies.
Nikhil has accused students named Sahil Singh, Rohit, Prabhat, Parth Shukla, and Jyotiraditya of filing a false FIR and anti-ragging complaint. He further claimed that he was receiving death threats and had previously lodged a ragging complaint against the same students during his second year.
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Nikhil claimed that he placed his complaint before the university administration and teachers, but no action was taken. He claims to have evidence, including CCTV footage, that can prove his claims. Despite this, he has been running between the police station and the university administration for about a month now, which is also affecting his studies.
The student also apologised to his family in the video. He said that if he takes any extreme step, the university administration and the students harassing him will be responsible for it.
According to the bar & bench report, some people close to Nikhil alleged it was affecting his mental health, and he was repeatedly harassed by the complainants. He was moved to a hostel that isolated him from most of his batchmates.
What did the university say
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) has issued an official clarification regarding the video. The administration emphasised that the ragging inquiry is still ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached. It is assured that all complaints are being investigated strictly in accordance with the law, principles of natural justice, and applicable rules, and that appropriate action will follow factual determinations.
HPNLU acknowledged that the matter is under active consideration by competent authorities under its Anti-Ragging Regulations.
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