From Lab Asst to Education Mogul: Controversy envelopes Achyuta Samanta

Achyuta Samanta's rise from a laboratory assistant to a major player in the education sector is now under scrutiny amid allegations of misuse of power during his tenure supported by the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led government in Odisha.

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Critics argue that Samanta's swift ascent involved acquiring numerous land holdings for his educational empire through questionable means. While accusations of land scams were frequently directed towards him, these were never formally investigated, leaving a trail of suspicion.

The rise of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta

Opponents allege that the former MP had used his political and administrative influence to incrementally procure land under the guise of expanding educational facilities, at times taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of local landowners. Despite the public disquiet, his actions went largely unchallenged.

During his period of influence, Samanta extended his educational network internationally, often hosting foreign dignitaries to elevate his institutions’ profile. However, the recent incident involving the death of a Nepali girl student in the KIIT University hostel has prompted a backlash against the previous government, casting a shadow over Samanta's legacy.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bhubaneswar-Ekamra MLA, Babu Singh has called for a detailed probe into the allegations surrounding Samanta, ranging from land acquisition dealings to the circumstances of the student's death, arguing for his arrest.

“The incident (alleged manhandling of students) has not occurred without his (Samanta’s) instructions. KIIT authorities were involved in several land scams in the past. Lands of a number of poor people have been fraudulently grabbed,” MLA Singh said in a presser.

“Around 25 persons (staff of KIIT) are involved in beating the students. I demand that all of them along with the KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta must be arrested,” the Bhubaneswar-Ekamra MLA expressed.

Meanwhile, the lack of response from the BJD concerning the incident involving the Nepali student has raised questions among observers.

Within the Legislative Assembly, BJD MLAs have largely sidestepped discussions related to the student's demise, opting instead to focus on law and order matters. Samanta's previous contributions to the BJD and his alleged close ties with former CM and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik have not gone unnoticed, leading to speculation about favourable treatment.

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The incident has sparked national outrage, with students across the country rallying for accountability. Multiple organisations have voiced their concerns, but the silence from India’s Ministry of Education is conspicuous. The Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s lack of statement three days after the incident has fuelled rumours.

No comments were received from Achyuta Samanta in this regard.