Odisha Legislators Call for Action Against KIIT Officials Over Nepali Student Incident
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Synopsis
Legislators in Odisha have demanded accountability from the administration of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University for the mistreatment of Nepali students following a tragic incident involving a student's suicide. Calls for a judicial inquiry and the arrest of university officials have escalated amidst concerns over the region's reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Legislators demand action against KIIT University.
- A female student's suicide sparked protests.
- Concerns raised over the treatment of Nepali students.
- Calls for a judicial probe into the incident.
- Pressure on the BJP government to respond.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 18 (NationPress) The administration of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar is under significant scrutiny for the ill-treatment of students from Nepal, which escalated after their protest regarding the suicide of a fellow female student in the hostel last week.
On Tuesday, numerous legislators from various parties addressed the issue in the Odisha Assembly, insisting on action against the university authorities for this incident.
They contended that the occurrence has damaged Odisha's reputation on international platforms.
During the Zero Hour discussions in the House, senior Biju Janata Dal leader Pratap Keshari Deb stated that the suicide and the subsequent forceful eviction of Nepali students by the university has tarnished Odisha’s image globally.
He further alleged that the law and order situation in the state has been declining swiftly under the BJP government, which came to power promoting 'Odia Asmita'.
Congress leader Taraprasad Bahinipati also called for a judicial inquiry into the suicide of the female student and the alleged mistreatment of other Nepali students.
Bahinipati warned that he would protest in the Assembly if the BJP government did not heed his call for a judicial inquiry.
He emphasized that the relationship between Odisha and Nepal is profound, and the mistreatment of Nepali students is disgraceful.
BJP MLA Babu Singh also highlighted the issue in the Assembly, demanding the arrest of KIIT’s founder Achyuta Samanta.
“Odisha, known for its culture and hospitality, should not neglect to extend its warmth to students coming here for education. The incident at KIIT is a disgrace for both Odisha and India,” Singh remarked.
He insisted on Samanta's arrest, asserting that such an incident could not have transpired without his directive.
The deceased, Prakriti Lamsal (20), a B.Tech (Computer Science) student at KIIT University, took her own life on Sunday after facing harassment from her former boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, a B.Tech (Mechanical) student.
