The death of a first-year Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) student near his college in Saharanpur has taken a serious turn after his family and fellow students alleged that he was ragged, assaulted and murdered, with the incident made to appear as a road accident.

The deceased, Vishal Gautam (25), a Dalit student from Budh Vihar Phase 1 in Delhi, had joined the Guru Dronacharya Ayurvedic Institute only last month and was staying in the campus hostel.

FIR alleges ragging, conspiracy and culpable homicide

Based on a complaint by Vishal’s father, Pate Bahadur, the police have registered an FIR against six students — Mohit, Harsh, Harshit, Asif, Shivam and Monu Pandit — along with the college management. The case has been booked under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Provisions of the SC/ST Act have not been invoked at this stage.

Biharigarh SHO Akshay Sharma said the FIR includes allegations of prolonged ragging and mental harassment. “We are verifying these claims through witness statements, CCTV footage and forensic evidence,” he said.

Accident theory under scrutiny

Police stated that Gautam and another student were riding a motorcycle on Sunday evening when an unidentified speeding vehicle allegedly hit them near Khushalipur village, around 500 metres from the institute. Gautam died on the spot due to head injuries, while his companion sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.

SP (Rural) Sagar Jain said initial evidence points to a road accident, but all allegations are being thoroughly investigated. “The role of college staff and students will be examined, and CCTV footage is being reviewed to trace the vehicle involved,” he said.

Family alleges cover-up, protests erupt

The family has alleged that Vishal repeatedly complained about ragging but received no support from the institute. They also claimed that after the incident, the college administration went incommunicado. Members of the Bhim Army joined the family in staging a protest outside the campus, demanding a fair and transparent investigation.

The college management has not responded to requests for comment so far.