SRINAGAR: In a shocking incident, an undergraduate student allegedly set himself ablaze inside a college campus in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district after being denied permission to sit for his examination over non-payment of fees, according to multiple national media reports.
The student, identified as Ujjwal Rana, a resident of Budhana area in the district, reportedly suffered severe burn injuries and was admitted to hospital in a critical condition, officials said on Saturday.
According to police sources, as per Deccan Herald, Ujjwal claimed in his statement from hospital that he was “humiliated” and “abused” by the principal of the college when he pleaded to be allowed to appear in the exams. “The principal said he was not running a charity,” Ujjwal alleged.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred on Friday when Ujjwal entered a classroom, poured inflammable liquid over himself, and set himself on fire. Fellow students and staff rushed to his rescue, extinguishing the flames before taking him to hospital.
Local police have initiated an inquiry into the incident, and statements from college authorities and students are being recorded. Officials said appropriate action would be taken once the investigation establishes the circumstances leading to the act.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with students demanding accountability and action against those responsible for the alleged humiliation. -(KL)
