In Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, panic gripped the area on Thursday after a student was allegedly set on fire by pouring petrol on him in broad daylight outside Hindu College. The attack left a 19-year-old Muslim student with serious burn injuries. Following the incident, tension has prevailed on the college campus, raising questions over security arrangements.

According to the police, the injured student has been identified as Farhad Ali, a third-semester BCom student at Hindu College. Reports suggest that after finishing his examination, Farhad reached near the college gate when two fellow students allegedly poured a flammable substance on him and set him ablaze.

In connection with the case, the police have arrested two students of the college Arush Singh (21), a third-semester BA student, and Deepak Kumar (20). Preliminary investigations indicate that one of the accused brought petrol, while the other used a lighter to set the victim on fire.

Eyewitnesses said that as soon as the fire was ignited, flames engulfed Farhad’s clothes. Students and passersby present at the spot immediately intervened, dousing the flames with water and clothes, and rushed him to a nearby private hospital. He was later referred to the district hospital after his condition was assessed.

Doctors said that Farhad sustained approximately eight percent burn injuries, mainly on his thighs. His condition is currently stated to be stable, and treatment is ongoing.

A day after the incident, Farhad Ali rejected the police’s initial suspicion that the fire may have been accidental. In his statement recorded at the hospital, he said the attack was completely premeditated. According to Farhad, the accused deliberately poured petrol on him and set him on fire using a lighter.

Based on the victim’s complaint, the police have registered a case. Moradabad City SP Kumar Ranvijay Singh said that preliminary investigations point to the use of a flammable substance such as petrol. Forensic samples have been sent for examination, and CCTV footage from cameras installed in the surrounding areas is being scrutinized.

The motive behind the attack is yet to be ascertained. Police said statements of witnesses have been recorded and a thorough investigation is underway.

Hindu College is among the city’s oldest educational institutions. In the aftermath of the incident, additional police personnel have been deployed in and around the college campus. The attack has created an atmosphere of fear among students and parents.