Archive · 9 Nov 2025
UP Student Self-Immolates on Campus Over Unpaid Fees, Cites Humiliation
A 24-year-old college student named Ujjwal was very upset because he couldn't pay all his school fees.
He said that because he owed a small amount of money, the college principal stopped him from taking his exam and insulted him badly, even hitting him.
Ujjwal also felt that the police didn't help him and were mean to him.
Feeling hurt and hopeless, he went into a classroom and set himself on fire.
His classmates rushed to help and put out the fire, but he was badly burned.
He is now in the hospital and stable.
Police are looking into what happened, and a case has been filed against the principal.
The principal says Ujjwal shouldn't claim to be poor because he has a good phone and motorcycle.
A 24-year-old BA student, Ujjwal Rana, self-immolated in a classroom at DAV PG Degree College in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh.
The student allegedly took this extreme step after being denied his examination form due to a ₹7,000 fee non-payment.
In a video and note, Rana accused the college principal of verbal and physical assault, and also alleged abuse by police.
He suffered extensive burns and was initially treated at a local center before being transferred to a hospital in Meerut, where he is reported to be stable.
Students protested demanding justice, and police have registered a case against the principal and are investigating named police personnel.
- Who
- Ujjwal Rana, a 24-year-old second-year BA student
- What
- Set himself on fire inside a classroom after being denied an exam form due to unpaid fees, alleging humiliation and assault by the college principal and police.
- When
- Saturday, November 8th, around 11:30 am
- Where
- DAV PG Degree College classroom in Budhana, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Allegedly denied permission to appear for his exam due to pending fees of ₹7,000, compounded by alleged humiliation, verbal, and physical assault by the college principal, and perceived inaction/abuse by police.
Student's Allegations
Principal's Counterclaims
Financial Hardship and Fee Payment
Student's Allegations
Ujjwal Rana was allegedly denied his examination form due to a pending fee of ₹7,000 and faced humiliation for struggling to pay tuition.
Principal's Counterclaims
Principal Pradeep Kumar questions Rana's claim of poverty, citing his ownership of a ₹25,000 mobile phone and a ₹1 lakh motorcycle. He states Rana had only paid ₹1,750 in fees and never applied for scholarships or financial aid.
Assault and Humiliation
Student's Allegations
Ujjwal Rana accused the college principal of verbal and physical assault, including hair-pulling and beating, and humiliation in front of others.
Principal's Counterclaims
The principal's statements focus on questioning the student's financial status rather than directly addressing the alleged assault.
Role of Police
Student's Allegations
Rana alleged that police sided with the college, abused him, and pushed him out when he tried to seek help regarding fee issues.
Principal's Counterclaims
Muzaffarnagar Police stated they took prompt action, sent the victim for treatment, and are investigating the matter, promising strict legal action against culprits.
- Student's Name
- Ujjwal Rana
- Age
- 24
- Year of Study
- Second Year BA
- College
- DAV PG Degree College, Budhana
- Location
- Budhana, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Date of Incident
- Saturday, November 8th
- Alleged Fee Due
- ₹7,000
- Burns Sustained
- Extensive (over 70% as per previous summary, article implies severe)
