A heartbreaking incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar has sparked outrage after Ujjwal Rana, a second year Bachelor of Arts (BA) student at DAV College, succumbed to burn injuries following an act of self immolation. The young student reportedly set himself on fire inside the college campus after being denied permission to submit his examination form due to unpaid fees of ₹7,000.
According to eyewitnesses & as mentioned by him in suicide note, Ujjwal Rana was allegedly humiliated and even beaten by the college principal, Pradeep Kumar, when he requested permission to submit his exam form despite the pending amount. The emotional distress and public humiliation reportedly drove him to the extreme act.
Before the incident, Ujjwal Rana recorded a short video in which he said, “The principal didn’t allow me to fill my exam form because I couldn’t pay.” Soon after, he poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze within the college premises. Fellow students rushed to his aid and tried to douse the flames, after which he was taken to a local hospital and later referred to Delhi in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries a day later.
Allegations of Discrimination and Harassment
In his suicide note, Ujjwal Rana named college principal Pradeep Kumar Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Nand Kishore, and two policemen Harveer and Vineet as responsible for his death. The note detailed how the principal allegedly insulted him publicly, used abusive language, and called the police when he pleaded for more time to pay the fees.
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Ujjwal Rana further mentioned that instead of helping him, the police officers threatened and intimidated him, adding to his trauma. He wrote that he felt trapped, deeply humiliated, and mentally distressed. His note concluded with a plea for justice so that no other student faces similar humiliation. “I’m still in pain. I can’t live like this. I want justice,” the note read.
Principal’s Controversial Statement Sparks Outrage
Following the incident, principal Pradeep Kumar Singh’s comments added to the controversy. Reacting to Ujjwal Rana’s death, he said, “He owns a ₹25,000 mobile and a ₹1 lakh bike. How is he poor or Dalit?” The remark drew widespread criticism on social media for its insensitivity and lack of empathy.
Student organizations and activists have called for strict action against the college authorities and police personnel named in the suicide note. Local political leaders and social groups have also demanded a fair investigation into the matter.
Public Reaction and Demand for Justice
The death of Ujjwal Rana has triggered anger and sorrow across the state. Many have questioned how an educational institution could allow such an incident to occur over a mere ₹7,000 fee. Students have held demonstrations demanding the suspension and arrest of the accused.
The Muzaffarnagar police have registered a case and assured a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, social media is flooded with tributes and calls for justice.
The tragic death of Ujjwal Rana highlights the urgent need for compassion and reform in educational institutions. His final words serve as a haunting reminder that no student should ever be pushed to such despair over financial hardship or humiliation.
