The MBBS students of National Medical College staged a demonstration in Birgunj on Thursday, demanding return of the extra amount charged by the college.

The agitating students accused the college administration of charging them an additional fee ranging from Rs 1.2 to 1.5 million on various pretexts on top of the fee fixed by the government. There was a brief clash between the protesting students and a group of youths, who were reportedly mobilised by Basaruddin Ansari, the managing director of the college.

“We were holding a peaceful protest on the college premises when a group of thugs hired by Ansari hired tried to attack us. They vandalised the microphone and manhandled some students,” said Naresh Bhattarai, a member of the struggle committee formed by the protesting students.

Ansari denied the accusation. He said the clash broke out when a group of senior students tried to stop the protesters for causing disturbance.

“On Wednesday, I’d assured the students that I would return their fees if other medical colleges do the same. The students from Chitwan Medical College persuaded our students into staging a protest,” said Ansari.

Following the clash, the agitating students moved their rally to the streets of Birgunj. They demanded immediate return of the additionally charged amount.

The MBBS students allege that the college also charged them additional amount in the name of library fees, sports fees, internet fees, cafeteria fees, hostel fees even to dayscholars, among others. “It is not mandatory to stay in the college hostel. But the college has been charging the amount from each student whether s/he stays in the hostel or not,” said a student preferring anonymity.