Pune, 18 October 2025: A student from Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Shivajinagar, Pune, has alleged that delays in verifying his academic documents caused him to lose a job opportunity in the UK.

Prem Birhade, who completed his BBA from 2020 to 2024, claimed in a social media video that the college administration discriminated against him on the basis of caste and withheld verification.

According to Prem, a UK-based company emailed the college to verify his academic records. However, the college allegedly delayed the process. Prem reportedly contacted his department head, vice-principal, and principal, seeking the verification. He claimed the professors asked about his caste and said they could not issue the certificate without instructions from higher authorities.

The college, however, denied all allegations of discrimination. Principal Dr. Nivedita Ekbote stated that Prem’s certificate was issued on October 14 and accused him of attempting to defame the institution through social media. “His actions fall under defamation, cyber harassment, and inciting the public. If legal action is taken against the student, harassment of faculty and the college’s reputation will be prevented,” Dr. Ekbote said.

Meanwhile, the matter drew political attention. Sachin Kharat, head of the Republican Party of India (RPI) group, spoke with Prem and also submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University regarding the issue.