Fearing eviction, ex-BJD MP Achyuta Samanta’s KIIT University clears road leading to NIFT

KIIT University authorities, on Thursday, dismantled a floral roundabout on a public road leading to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Sources reported that the institute also removed several floral structures and archways, with the flowerbeds being transported away using tractors.

Further, personnel were spotted removing streetlights installed in the middle of the road in front of its Campus-6 gate in Bhubaneswar. In response to queries about the removals, on-site staff stated that they were acting on instructions received from the KIIT University authorities.

Why is KIIT Fearing a Possible Eviction Drive?

The move comes amid rumours of a likely eviction drive at many places in the university and after reports aired of it allegedly encroaching upon a public road by disguising it as its entrance.

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The KIIT University Campus No-6 gate has allegedly been illegally constructed on a stretch of road originally belonging to the IDCO (Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation). Additionally, the road also leads to NIFT, but it was heavily modified to appear as part of KIIT’s premises.

Achyuta Samanta Faces Land-Grabbing Allegations:

In further alarming reports, allegations have stated that notices from IDCO to KIIT for removal of structures and declaring the area as a ‘No Parking’ zone were not paid heed to. Reports also mentioned that these notices were served around the same time when the varsity’s founder, Achyuta Samanta, was an MP from the then-ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

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A can of worms opened in the days after Prakriti Lamsal, a B.Tech third-year student of KIIT University, allegedly took her own life inside the institute’s hostel. Amid uproar over the reported mishandling of the entire matter and subsequent protests by the students, Achyuta Samanta has found himself under intense scrutiny with serious allegations of illegal land-grabbing.

Till the last reports came in, no comments from KIIT authorities could be obtained regarding a possible eviction.