Tragedy in Muzaffarnagar: Student Burns Self to Death After Being Denied Exam Entry Over Unpaid Fees

An investigation has been launched into the case, officials confirmed. (Representational)

Muzaffarnagar:

A college student who immolated himself after reportedly being barred from taking an examination due to unpaid fees in Budhana town has died at a Delhi hospital on Sunday evening, according to police reports.

Three police officers—Sub-Inspector Nand Kishor and constables Vineet and Gyanvir—have been transferred to police lines for dereliction of duty, Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar announced.

The victim's uncle, Sachin Rana, stated that 22-year-old Ujjwal Rana succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital.

Police confirmed his body is expected to arrive in his hometown on Monday.

Ujjwal, who was pursuing a second-year BA degree at DAV College in Budhana, suffered 70 percent burns after setting himself on fire on Saturday. He was first taken to a local medical facility before being transferred to Delhi in critical condition.

SSP Kumar stated that teams have been formed to apprehend those named in the case.

According to the complaint filed by Ujjwal's family, the accused police personnel were summoned by the college principal when the student protested after allegedly being denied permission to sit for his examination.

The family has alleged that the police officers harassed him.

The deceased's sister, Saloni Rana, has filed a complaint against college manager Arvind Garg, principal Pradeep Kumar, teacher Sanjeev Kumar, and the three police officers.

Officials confirmed an investigation has been initiated into the incident.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh minister Anil Kumar stated he has instructed district authorities to take appropriate action regarding the matter.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an ally of the ruling BJP, has condemned the incident and called for strict action against those responsible.

The Congress party has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and the arrest of the college officials and police personnel named in the case.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai has held both the Yogi Adityanath government and the Central government accountable for Ujjwal's death.

In a statement, Rai described the incident as reflective of the education system's condition, calling it a "murder by the system."

He stated that Ujjwal's death demonstrates how students face pressure from college administrations and local authorities regarding fees, and criticized the commercialization of education in the state.

Rai further noted that during such incidents, the chief minister is often seen campaigning in other states.

The Congress party has demanded Rs 1 crore compensation and a government job for Ujjwal's family. They have also called for legislation to regulate fees in private institutions and the establishment of a financial aid fund for economically disadvantaged students.