The Commission has directed the registrar (law) to proceed for inquiry in KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. File.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The National Human Rights Commission has directed a high-level probe into the alleged suicide by Nepali girl student and subsequent assault on Nepali students on campus of Bhubaneswar- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a Deemed to be University.
The apex rights panel asked its investigation team to look into other reported irregularities such as exploitation of tribal students and land illegal land acquisition by the institute.
Also read | Nepali KIIT student death: A death in hostel and a campus on the boil
Meanwhile, KIIT said normalcy returned to campus following the ‘unfortunate and unexpected event (suicide) on February 16.
One Asutosh B. had moved NHRC alleging that Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at KIIT had faced harassment by her friend, Advik Srivastava, and that the university’s International Relations Office (IRO) had neglected her complaints, contributing to her tragic suicide.
“Protests by Nepali students seeking justice were met with verbal abuse, threats, and physical assault by KIIT officials and security guards. Moreover, KIIT and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) were accused of exploiting tribal children, violating their human rights, and engaging in illegal land acquisitions,” the complainant filed.
He urged Commission to take action against KIIT officials, including founder Achyuta Samanta, for their failure to address harassment complaints and their involvement in the exploitation of tribal students.
The NHRC on February 28, 2025 had directed the Director General (Investigation) to assign a team of officers from the Investigation Division and Law Division of the Commission to conduct an on-spot inquiry at KIIT University and submit their inquiry report to the Commission by March 10, 2025.
Now, considering the seriousness of the matter, the Commission has directed the registrar (law) to proceed for inquiry in KIIT University, Bhubaneswar to conduct an on spot inquiry along with team consisting two officers from investigation division, one not below the rank of senior superintendent of police and one officer from Law Division and submit its inquiry report to the Commission by March, 2025.
The institute said KIIT had swiftly handed over the matter to the police for a thorough investigation and taken action against errant officials. More than 400 Nepali students have already returned to the campus, satisfied with the action taken by KIIT and arrangements made for their safety, said the institute.
“While the vice-chancellor and registrar of KIIT have issued public apologies, what remains deeply concerning is the continued negative campaign against KIIT, KISS, and its founder Achyuta Samanta,” KIIT rued.
Certain media outlets, organizations, and individuals have taken this tragedy as an opportunity to spread false narratives, amplifying the issue unnecessarily, and attempting to defame one of India’s most respected educational institutions, said university official.
“What is particularly disheartening is the unjust treatment of the founder, whose entire life has been dedicated to the betterment of society through education and social welfare. Instead of receiving support during this trying time, he is being unjustly burdened by the weight of these attacks,” he maintained.
“KIIT has not evaded its responsibility in the matter. The founder of the institution personally addressed the concerns of Nepalese students in the presence of Nepalese Embassy officials, and the family of Prakriti Lamsal has publicly acknowledged the ongoing government efforts and the university’s cooperation,” said university in a lengthy statement.
Published – March 04, 2025 04:40 pm IST