KIIT University founder Achyuta Samanta encroached upon private land for KISS expansion, allege owners before NHRC

The barrage of allegations and controversies surrounding KIIT University and its founder, former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta, appear to be growing every minute.

Amid recent accusations by an RTI activist claiming that Samnata had illegally occupied 82 acres of government land, including IDCO and forest land, for KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences), allegations of it encroaching upon private land have now surfaced.

What are the allegations?

Sources detailed startling reports of Achyuta Samanta having allegedly illegally encroached upon several acres of privately owned land, including many belonging to senior citizens under the pretext of expanding KISS and expansion of a nearby Jagannath Temple.

The matter came to light after several aggrieved citizens reportedly deposed before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team probing multiple angles involving KIIT, KISS, and Achyuta Samanta, in the wake of the death of Prakriti Lamsal, an international student of the varsity, on February 16.

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Serious allegations of 'attacks':

The NHRC panel had, on Thursday, invited the general public and students of the university to come forward with their grievances against the university or its founder to help aid the probe. Accordingly, sources stated that several citizens levied grave allegations that their land, originally purchased from the Odisha Housing Company, was encroached upon for the construction of the Jagannath temple and KISS tribal school by Achyuta Samanta.

The allegations also stated that those who attempted to file an FIR against this alleged land grab were attacked. Moreover, KISS security personnel reportedly prevented people from even approaching the disputed land.

No action taken

Social activists have also reportedly stated before the NHRC panel that no action was taken against Achyuta Samanta since he enjoyed close ties with the then-ruling BJD (Biju Janata Dal) government and administrative officials.

The NHRC, after recording these statements, visited the KISS campus this morning before concluding its three-day probe into the matter. It has stated that the findings will be disclosed before the public at a date to be decided upon by the NHRC.

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Meanwhile, no official response has been received from KIIT, KISS or Achyuta Samanta regarding these allegations.