B. Tech student burnt alive under mysterious circumstances in Mathura hostel

A 19-year-old third-year B. Tech student died under mysterious circumstances after being burned alive in her locked room at a private hostel in Chaumuha, located along the highway in Mathura.

The girl’s family has accused the hostel owner and his wife of setting her on fire, leading to a confrontation at the scene.

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The deceased, identified as Muskan Chaudhary, hailed from Burj Noji village under the Sahpau police station limits in the Hathras district. She was pursuing her B. Tech from a private university in Mathura and had been residing in Room No. 3 of Radharani Girls Hostel.

The incident occurred at around 3 pm on Wednesday when screams and flames were noticed coming from Muskan’s room. A fellow student in Room No. 4 raised an alarm, prompting other hostel residents and nearby shopkeepers to intervene. By the time the door was broken open, Muskan had already succumbed to her burns.

Local police, led by CO Sadar Sandeep Kumar, arrived at the scene of the incident, along with a forensic team to collect evidence. Muskan’s body was sent for post-mortem.

Later in the evening, her grieving family arrived at the hostel and accused its owner, Gitesh and his wife, of murder. They said the couple had been in conflict with Muskan over hostel rules for the past month.

Muskan’s father, Dinesh Chaudhary, claimed that the hostel owner’s wife harbored a grudge against his daughter and that a bottle of flammable liquid was found inside the room, indicating foul play. Her mother collapsed multiple times in distress recalling her daughter.

Tensions escalated as the victim’s family staged a protest, demanding strict action in the case. Police reinforcements from multiple stations had to be deployed to control the situation. The family could be calmed down with assurances of action.

Authorities have since evacuated the hostel and students have taken their belongings and left. CO Sadar Sandeep Kumar confirmed that the cause of the fire is under investigation and appropriate action will be taken upon receiving the family’s official complaint.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks of unregulated operations of private hostels and paying guest accommodations in Mathura and surrounding rural areas. Many such facilities are reportedly being run without registration, with operators coming from neighboring states like Haryana and Delhi.

Only last year, a viral video had surfaced showing a student being assaulted in another private hostel, raising concerns over the safety and legality of these accommodations.

Police are continuing their investigation into Muskan’s death and are expected to file a case once the family submits a formal written complaint.