Odisha Government Probes KIIT Student Death: High-Level Committee Summons KIIT Founder

The Odisha government has intensified its investigation into the tragic death of a Nepalese student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), summoning the institute’s founder, Achyuta Samanta, for questioning. The inquiry follows widespread protests and allegations of unfair disciplinary action against Nepalese students at the institution. The Higher Education Department, in an official letter, directed Samanta to appear before the high-level committee on February 21, 2025, at the State Guest House, with adequate documentary evidence to address the committee’s terms of reference. The probe aims to uncover the circumstances leading to the student's death, allegations of high-handedness by the institute’s administration, and the issuance of mass suspension notices targeting Nepalese students. Background of the Incident The unrest at KIIT began after the reported suicide of 20-year-old Nepalese student Prakriti Lamsal on Sunday afternoon. Following her death, fellow Nepalese students staged demonstrations demanding justice, alleging negligence and mistreatment by the university authorities. In response, KIIT issued suspension notices to approximately 1,000 Nepalese students and ordered them to leave the campus on Monday. Further controversy arose when police arrested a 21-year-old engineering student, accusing him of abetting Lamsal’s suicide. The suspect, apprehended at Biju Patnaik International Airport while attempting to flee the city, is accused of blackmailing and verbally abusing the deceased student. Government and Political Reactions The three-member committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Satyabrata Sahu, also includes the secretaries of the Higher Education Department and the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department. The team visited KIIT on Wednesday, engaging with Nepalese students who alleged mistreatment by university staff for participating in protests. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized the committee’s authority to summon anyone necessary for the investigation, stating, “The high-level committee is functioning as per legal provisions. The state government remains committed to protecting students’ interests.” The Odisha government has also coordinated with officials from the Nepal Embassy to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected students. Institutional and Diplomatic Developments Following pressure from both the central and state governments, KIIT authorities have issued a formal apology, urging Nepalese students to return to campus. To further support the affected students, the state government has set up a 24-hour help desk, ensuring a secure and coordinated process for their return. The inquiry is expected to shed light on the handling of student grievances and institutional accountability at KIIT, while also addressing the larger issue of student rights and security. As the investigation progresses, political and diplomatic implications continue to unfold, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to prevent further unrest. (With inputs from agencies)