The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is at the centre of a major controversy following a tragic death by suicide of a 20-year-old Nepali student.
The incident has led to strong student protest, even leading to diplomatic interventions, and strong criticism of the university administration following viral videos on social media allegedly showing hostility by the staff towards the students.
Harassment Allegations
On 16 February, a third-year B.Tech student, reportedly from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room. Her fellow students alleged that she was driven to the extreme choice due to harassment by a male student formerly in relationship with her. The accused is reportedly the son of a civil engineer from Lucknow, who was arrested on the charges of abetting suicide and sent to judicial custody for 14 days.
An audio clip allegedly captured the accused making derogatory remarks about the victim and her mother, which subsequently went viral on social media. The allegations of harassment were confirmed by the father of the deceased, claiming that his daughter had been emotionally blackmailed by the accused for weeks before the tragic incident.
University Crackdown and Outrage
As news of the incident spread, hundreds of Nepali students at KIIT gathered on the premises in protest. The university responded by issuing a notice that declared the campus ‘sine die’ (closed indefinitely) for all Nepali students, effectively asking them to leave and return to their homes immediately. Videos have been circulated on social media along with chronicles from the students who alleged that they were forcibly evicted from their hostels by security personnel, some even claiming physical violence.
Adding to the controversy, videos emerged showing the hostel staff and university officials making derogatory comments about Nepal. One video also showed a professor claiming that KIIT spends more on students’ meals than the GDP of Nepal. University was prompted to take action against the professors who have reportedly been suspended for their remarks. However, they drew sharp condemnation from the Nepali community and the damage was done.
Administrative Actions
KIIT has taken disciplinary action against several staff members. The director of the girl’s hostel, and an associate professor of Computer Science were suspended for their offensive remarks about Nepal. A senior administrative officer of the international relations office, who allegedly ignored the victim’s earlier complaints, was also suspended.
Additionally, two security personnel were also removed from their positions and arrested by the Odisha police for their role in manhandling the protesting students. Later, the police arrested five more high-ranking administrative official who were later released on bail by the local court.
Diplomatic escalation
The situation soon escalated into a diplomatic issue as Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli revealed on X that two officers from the Nepalese Embassy were dispatched to Bhubaneswar to help the affected students and liaise with the local and Indian government.
KIIT also later retracted its order to vacate Nepali students from the campus while issuing an apology.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal has in return assured that the Indian government is closely monitoring the case. In a statement, the embassy expressed condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirmed that the Odisha government had taken cognizance of the incident.
“The State Government of Odisha has taken cognizance of the matter and taken steps against the erring officials involved. The Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneshwar has informed that a criminal case has been registered against the accused student. He has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Odisha Police has also taken cognizance of the manhandling of students by KIIT security personnel, arrested them and registered a criminal case,” the statement read.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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