KIIT University row: Amid arrests and protests, female faculty who made ‘Nepal GDP remark’ walk free

Odisha Police on Tuesday arrested five employees of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) including three directors- Sibananda Mishra, Director General (HR); Pratap Kumar Chamupaty, Director (Administration); and Sudhir Kumar Rath, and two security guards- Ramakanta Nayak and Jogendra Behera, following outrage from all quarters over the death of KIIT University student from Nepal, Prakriti Lamsal.

Ironically, the two female faculties, who are allegedly the main reason for the tragedy becoming a diplomatic issue with their ‘racist statements’, have walked away free with mere apology. Their statement, ‘KIIT budget is more than Nepal’s GDP’, escalated the tension in the University, harming the good diplomatic relationship between India and Nepal.

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In the viral video, the woman identified as Majusha Pandey, can be heard saying, “We are feeding over 40,000 students for free.” “That is more than your country’s budget,” another staff Jayanti Nath can be heard joining her.

The two female staff being caught on camera boasting that KIIT spends more money on student meals than Nepal's GDP while another claiming KIIT's education budget larger than Nepal's national budget escalated the situation at KIIT University, soon after those videos surfaced online.

“Just pack your bags and leave,” they can be heard threatening the students.

These remarks sparked outrage and led to widespread protests by Nepali students on campus. Despite, the two female staff being the main reason for the escalating tension, the two have walked free with mere apology online, alleged a few protesting students.

The two ladies later issued apology after their remarks triggered massive outrage and claimed their statements were made in the spur of the moment. In the apology video, Majusha Pandey said, “I want to communicate that whatever statements I made, they are mine and have nothing to do with any of the KIIT University. If any of my statements have hurt the sentiments of any of my Nepali students or people of Nepal, I apologise for it sincerely.”

Likewise, Jayanti Natha also apologized and said her intention was never to offend or demean anyone. “I deeply regret if my words caused unintended hurt to anyone’s sentiment. I want to emphasise that my words do not reflect the views of the University. I am extremely sorry and apologetic for whatever has happened,” Jayanti said.