A Nepali engineering student, whose house was flattened in the recent series of earthquakes that struck the Himalayan nation, has alleged that his college has refused to let him discontinue the course unless he coughs up Rs. 3.5 lakh.
Prashant Risal (19), a second semester student of Information Sciences at AMC Engineering College on Bannerghatta Road, alleged that he was “abused” by the management when he went to submit a letter seeking permission to discontinue his education.
“I haven’t heard from my family in over two weeks (the first earthquake struck his home town, Kathmandu, on April 25). I heard that my house has fallen. An acquaintance told me that it is unlikely that my family can afford to fund my education,” he told The Hindu .
On Friday, he appeared before the principal with a letter seeking the return of his original certificates, Standard XII marks cards and a migration letter. “The principal said he can only return my certificates if I pay Rs. 3.5 lakh as fees for the next three years. He even snatched my phone so that I can’t contact anyone for help,” alleged Mr. Risal.
Principal T.N. Srinivas said the allegations stem from a misunderstanding.
“He had recently taken the marks cards for passport verification. Four days ago, he again came to us citing passport verification. I asked for the original letter from the Nepal embassy. Moreover, migration certificate is given only by the university (VTU) … He can leave the college whenever he wants,” he said.
Mr. Srinivas claimed to have taken the mobile phone as having one in the college premises is against the rules.
