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The death of a female student from Nepal at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar has ignited scrutiny into the institution’s founder Achyuta Samanta and his other ventures, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and alleged misuse of power.
Unrest at KIIT University
Protests erupted after the student’s death, with footage showing security personnel using excessive force. A viral video and an audio clip in this regard captures Achyuta Samanta urging students to end their demonstration.
However, students demanded the release of the deceased’s phone and laptop, fearing evidence tampering, but chaos followed, with reports of Samanta falling during the clash.
A recorded phone call from a hostel inmate alleged that local goons stormed the hostels, assaulted students, and forced Nepalese students to leave.
Broader Allegations Surface Against Achyuta Samanta
The incident has revived long-standing allegations against Samanta’s ‘education empire’, including KIIT and its sister institution, KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) with many accusing him of illegal land acquisitions and exploiting tribal education for financial gain.
Claims vs Reality of KIIT University & Achyuta Samanta
Funding Transparency:
Achyuta Samanta once stated that KISS operates without government aid, but RTI replies and official data reveal over Rs 58 crore in public funds since 2007, including Rs 12 crore from the Tribal Affairs Ministry and annual state scholarships. Additional data also showed that KISS receives foreign grants and subsidized rice amounting to as much as 75 tons monthly, costing Rs 22.5 crore yearly.
Student Numbers:
While the founder claims that 30,000 tribal students study at KISS, 2017-18 records showed only 18,998 enrolments. Moreover, the institution's authorities denied RTI requests, stating, “We do not fall under RTI jurisdiction.”
Child Rights Violations:
A 2017 inspection found inadequate meals (only flattened rice for breakfast), poor hostel conditions, and minimal supervision with two staff for 400 students.
Diplomatic Tensions and Fallout
Meanwhile, the ongoing protests at the KIIT University and hasty orders by the management have attracted criticism from all over. The Prime Minister of Nepal stated that he was opening his diplomatic channels and expressed concern over the incident while the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi demanded an impartial probe.
The victim’s family also warned that the issue may strain bilateral ties between India and Nepal.
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Meanwhile, the university issued a notice on Tuesday stating that the ‘authorities and the entire staff deeply regret the incident’. It also stated that two security staff were terminated immediately while two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer of the International Relations Office (IRO), were suspended.
