‘Felt sidelined, jealous of his intelligence’: Accused who set Muslim student on fire tell Moradabad police
Two students arrested for setting a Muslim B.Com student on fire at Hindu College in Moradabad told police the attack was driven by jealousy and a sense of inferiority over the victim's academic success and popularity. The accused allegedly planned the assault to seriously harm the student and make the video viral to spread fear on campus.
New Delhi: The two students arrested for setting a Muslim student on fire at Hindu College in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad told police that the crime was driven by jealousy and a sense of inferiority, rather than any personal enmity.
Accused were jealous
According to the police investigation, the accused said they felt sidelined by the victim’s growing popularity and academic success. The student, identified as Farhad Ali, is a B.Com student who had earned the respect of teachers and classmates due to his consistent academic performance, discipline, and positive image on campus, a fact that deeply unsettled the accused.
During interrogation, the accused admitted that they resented Farhad’s intelligence and recognition in college. Investigators said the two hatched a plan to attack him not only to cause serious harm but also to record the act on video and circulate it on social media, with the intention of creating fear within the college and asserting dominance over other students and teachers.
Condition stable
The incident took place after an examination, when Farhad was leaving the college premises. Police said the accused doused him with petrol and set him on fire. He suffered severe burn injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Following the attack, the Sadar Kotwali police acted swiftly, solved the case and arrested both accused. They have been remanded to judicial custody. Based on disclosures made during questioning, police recovered the petrol bottle and lighter used in the crime. CCTV footage and other technical evidence have also been collected.
Police officials said strict legal action will be taken and that the accused will be charged under the most stringent provisions of law.
College takes disciplinary action
Meanwhile, the Hindu College administration has taken disciplinary action. One of the accused students has been expelled from the college with immediate effect, while a notice has been issued to the other, seeking an explanation. The college’s Proctorial Committee said violence, indiscipline and criminal activity will not be tolerated under any circumstances on campus.