NHRC Team Set to Investigate Nepali Student's Tragic Death at KIIT
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Synopsis
An NHRC team is set to investigate the tragic death of a Nepali girl student at KIIT, allegedly linked to harassment by her ex-boyfriend. The rights panel is addressing complaints about the college's inaction regarding the situation, highlighting concerns over student safety and justice.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC team to investigate Nepali student death.
- Allegations of harassment by her ex-boyfriend.
- College staff reportedly ignored complaints.
- Diplomatic tensions between India and Nepal.
- Odisha CM promises safety for all students.
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) An NHRC team is scheduled to visit the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha to carry out an investigation into the alleged suicide of a Nepali girl student, reportedly linked to harassment by her ex-boyfriend, which was overlooked by the college staff despite numerous complaints, as stated by a representative of the rights panel on Tuesday.
The commission has acknowledged a complaint submitted by the Kalinga Rights Forum regarding this unfortunate incident and has established a probe team, according to NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo.
The investigative team will look into whether the student’s death was indeed a suicide and if her peers faced mistreatment from the authorities when they attempted to report the issue, as indicated by an NHRC official.
In a post on a social media platform, the complainant Forum asserted that KIIT failed to respond appropriately to the complaints made by the Nepali girl student, who was reportedly enduring harassment on campus.
The deceased, Prakriti, a third-year B. Tech (Computer Science) student from Nepal, was discovered deceased in her hostel room on February 16. While the police initially classified the case as a suicide, the circumstances surrounding her passing triggered protests within the campus.
Following the incident, several Nepali students left the KIIT campus; however, subsequently, over 150 students returned, with many re-entering India via the Raxaul border in Bihar.
The girl’s death under dubious circumstances has led to a diplomatic dispute between New Delhi and Kathmandu, prompting Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to communicate with Nepal's Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, assuring stringent action against those accountable.
This conversation came after reports indicated that the college administration had instructed Nepali students to vacate the hostel due to their protests following the incident.
During their discussion, Dr. Deuba requested a fair and transparent investigation into the student’s death, identified as Prakriti Lamsal, and urged the Odisha government to ensure justice.
In reply, CM Majhi reiterated the Odisha government's commitment to the safety and well-being of all students.
"Nepali students are like our own children. They will study here with full dignity and security," Majhi affirmed, adding that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to restore trust among students.
