KIIT Founder Required to Attend Committee Regarding Nepali Student Incident
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Synopsis
The Odisha Higher Education Department has summoned KIIT University founder Achyut Samanta to appear before a committee investigating the alleged suicide of a Nepali student and the mistreatment of students by university authorities.
Key Takeaways
- High Level Committee established for inquiry
- KIIT founder Achyut Samanta summoned
- Investigation into alleged suicide of Prakriti Lamsal
- University authorities faced backlash and suspensions
- Special scholarship announced for Nepali students
Bhubaneswar, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Odisha Higher Education Department has summoned Achyut Samanta, the founder of KIIT University, to appear before the High Level Committee on February 21. This is in connection with the investigation into the alleged suicide of a female Nepali student and the subsequent mistreatment faced by students from Nepal by the University authorities.
He has been instructed to bring all necessary documents related to the incident.
“I am directed to inform you that the High Level Committee has resolved to investigate the alleged suicide of a student and the actions taken by the University authorities. Therefore, you are requested to appear before the High Level Committee on 21.02.2025 at 6.30 p.m. at the Mini Conference Hall, New Annexe Building, State Guest House, Bhubaneswar, and provide evidence along with sufficient documentary proof,” states the official communication from the Higher Education Department.
The Odisha government established the high-level fact-finding committee on Tuesday to look into the alleged death of Prakriti Lamsal and the mistreatment of Nepali students by the KIIT Deemed University authorities in Bhubaneswar.
This committee includes members such as the Additional Chief Secretary from the Home Department, the Principal Secretary from the Women & Child Development Department, and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary from the Higher Education Department.
On Wednesday, the committee visited the University campus and engaged in detailed discussions with Nepali students residing in the Hostel, as well as University authorities.
The committee also inspected various locations on campus linked to the incident.
It is important to note that the deceased, Prakriti, a third-year BTech (Computer Science) student at KIIT University, ended her life on Sunday after enduring persistent harassment from her estranged boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, a B.Tech (Mechanical) student.
Following the revelation of her death, students protested, demanding justice for Prakriti.
This led to a backlash from University authorities, who ordered all Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately.
The private university's officials even forcefully removed students from the campus and reportedly assaulted them on Monday.
After receiving widespread criticism, the University later issued an apology and invited the students to return. Additionally, two senior hostel officials and a senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office have been suspended pending an inquiry.
Meanwhile, Achyut Samanta expressed his condolences to Prakriti's family and announced a special scholarship for Nepali students in her memory.
“Prof. Achyut Samanta met with her father and uncle, assuring them that Prakriti's dreams will live on. To honor her memory, and in alignment with her father’s wishes, KIIT will introduce a special scholarship for Nepali students in her name. This initiative will provide talented students like Prakriti the opportunity to pursue their education without obstacles,” stated the KIIT administration on its X handle on Thursday.
