KIIT University student death issue raised in Odisha Assembly; eyes on high-level committee hearing

Amidst the ongoing outcry over the alleged mistreatment meted out to students from Nepal studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar following the death of a girl student, Prakriti Lamsal, the sensitive matter was raised in the Odisha Assembly on Friday.

The Congress moved an adjournment motion alleging unrest at KIIT University following the alleged suicide of the Nepali girl student, subsequent protests and assault on Nepali students inside the campus.

The untimely demise of the female student of KIIT University raised alarms over the safety and well-being of international students in the educational institution.

When Will Be The High-Level Committee Hearing?

During discussion over the motion in Odisha Assembly, Higher Education Minister informed that the hearing of the high-level committee constituted by the Odisha government is scheduled to be held at 3 pm today. Eight officials of KIIT, including its founder and former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta are likely to depose before the high-level committee today.

The committee recently started its probe by visiting the KIIT University in Bhubaneswar.

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Unfolding KIIT University Controversy:

Prakriti, a third-year B.Tech (Computer Science) student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16. Fellow students then alleged that Prakriti was being subjected to both physical and verbal abuse by Advik Shrivastava, who was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.

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During the protest by Nepalese students, the KIIT staff allegedly used force and even manhandled the protesting students to bring the situation under control. Besides, two senior university officials were also seen making derogatory remarks against Nepal. One of the officials was seen claiming that the Nepal's GDP is lower than KIIT's budget.

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It was not the end, the KIIT varsity forcibly sent the Nepalese students to Cuttack railway station after declaring sine-die. It is also alleged that the varsity officials did not informed the Odisha government regarding the unfolding crisis.

The entire incident at KIIT University escalated into a major controversy with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli personally intervening in the matter.

Also Read: KIIT University girl student’s death: Nepal PM expresses concern, Embassy in New Delhi demands impartial investigation