NHRC grills 2 women officials of KIIT University in Bhubaneswar

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) interrogated two women officials of KIIT University on Friday in connection with student unrest following the suspicious death of a Nepali girl in her hostel room and allegedly wrong handling of the situation by KIIT.

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Although initially meant to occur at the university’s campus, the questioning is now being conducted at State Guest House in Bhubaneswar. The NHRC officials have convened the employees to provide their testimonies as part of the probe. The investigating officer (IO) of the foreign national’s demise has also made an appearance before the NHRC, contributing information relevant to the case.

Who else were questioned by NHRC?

Besides, five students from KIIT University are also being questioned by the NHRC at the State Guest House. This investigation pertains to allegations surrounding the harassment by the girl’s male friend and subsequent death of the Nepali student. Among the students interrogated are four male and a female, reportedly classmates of the deceased.

NHRC's inquiry also extended to the KIIT staff, including the International Public Relations Officer, recording statements on the second day of questioning. The investigating officer has shared findings of the ongoing investigation with the NHRC.

Worth mentioning, in connection with the Nepali girl student’s demise and the aftermath chaos, six more KIIT University officials had previously appeared before the high-level committee led by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Odisha Home Department at the State Guest House at around 10.30 AM on February 27.

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Furthermore, on February 21, the committee had interrogated KIIT founder and former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta for two and a half hours. Along with him, the varsity’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and two suspended female staff members, Manjusha Pandey and Jayanti Nath, had also appeared before the committee and recorded their statements.