Girl dies 14 days after setting herself afire

A girl who attempted self-immolation to protest poor marks awarded to her by the college management Sep 29, died of her injuries Sunday, a family member said.

Pinky Chauhan was among over 1,000 students who were protesting the management of the Government Post-Graduate College for Women near Sector 14 here and Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, for giving them low marks "intentionally".

The girl, a B.Sc. second-year student, belonged to Kasan village near Manesar. She was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi with 90 percent burn injuries.

"She succumbed to her injuries around 1.15 a.m. Sunday," Satyapal Singh, her uncle, told IANS.

"Pinky had named five lecturers, including four women, in her statement for forcing her to set herself ablaze," said a family member.

A case against the college management has been registered at the Civil Lines police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Hundreds of students from science and commerce streams were declared failed in recent examinations.

Meanwhile, college hostels were vacated fearing of fresh agitation by the students. "The college management told hostellers that the institute will remain closed till Oct 25," a student said.

The Department of Higher Education, Haryana, has decided to close other two government colleges of Gurgaon till Oct 15.