Fee Due: Student Barred From Exam Self-Immolates; Principal Claims He's Not Poor'
Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: In a tragic event, a 24-year-old student, Ujjwal Rana, from DAV PG Degree College in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly set himself ablaze inside his classroom after the authorities prevented him from attending an examination over Rs 7,000 fee dues.
The second-year Bachelor of Arts student attempted suicide, accusing the principal of harassment and humiliation. The incident sparked protests and the police launched an investigation.
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According to reports, Rana recorded a video and left a handwritten note accusing principal Pradeep Kumar of physical assault and verbal abuse. He alleged that the police also sided with the administration instead of supporting him when he sought help. The situation left him broken, which led him to take the extreme step. He named three police officers, along with the principal, as responsible for his distress.
Notably, Pradeep Kumar Singh, Principal of the DAV college, has reacted by expressing doubt over the student’s financial background. He said the student owns a Rs 25k mobile and drives a motorcycle worth Rs 1 lakh, asking how did he become poor or Dalit?
The student has paid only Rs 1,750 of his fees. We collect half the fees for one semester. This student has not paid the rest and hardly ever attends class. He owns a mobile phone worth Rs 25,000 and comes to college daily on a motorcycle, which consumes fuel and costs at least Rs 1 lakh. How can he be considered poor or from a Dalit background? If he is truly unable to pay, the government has provisions and scholarships for such students. If he is poor, why didn’t he fill out the scholarship form?” The Free Press Journal quoted the principal.
