Nepali student’s death at KIIT University: Delay in probe raises concerns

Nearly two and a half months after a Nepali student's suspicious death at KIIT University in Odisha, the high-level committee of the State government has not yet submitted its detailed probe report. However, delays in the probe have raised concerns.

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has already highlighted ‘mismanagement’ at both KIIT and KISS institutions, issuing directives on March 27. The Orissa High Court will examine the NHRC’s directives in its hearing tomorrow to decide if they will continue to be on hold.

An NHRC team blamed negligence at KIIT for the student's distress and subsequent death. Their report pointed to inaction by the KIIT International Relations Officer, the disciplinary committee, and the varsity authorities after the girl student had reported harassment by her male friend, Advik Srivastava.

Allegedly, Srivastava had used explicit material to blackmail her. Despite the gravity of these accusations, no significant actions were taken by the KIIT authorities; neither informed the police nor addressed the issue internally, resulting in immense mental stress for the victim student, leading to her tragic decision.

The NHRC findings also revealed issues such as land fraud within KISS, leading KIIT and KISS to petition the High Court against these directives. On April 9, Justice Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi instructed the NHRC to respond by April 26. Until the next hearing on April 29, the NHRC’s orders were put on hold.

Questions remain about why the State government’s probe report has not been filed. The government's high-level committee is yet to submit its findings on the protest by Nepali students on February 16, leading to an inquiry order on February 18.

The committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, has already conducted a detailed probe at KIIT premises, engaging in extensive interrogations with the institution’s founder, Achyuta Samanta, and other senior officials.

Decision will not be taken hurriedly: Minister

“The government does not want to take the probe casually in the context of KIIT University. Hence, all persons concerned, starting from the bottom level to the top, have been summoned and questioned,” Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said.

“NHRC has also sought the views of the State government. An appropriate decision will be taken; rather than deciding hurriedly,” the Minister expressed.

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As attempts to get comments from KIIT University authorities have remained unanswered, attention now turns to the High Court's upcoming decision and the awaited report from the State’s high-level committee.