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The National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) on-spot inquiry into the death of a Nepalese girl student at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar entered its third day on Saturday.
The three-member NHRC team, which arrived in Bhubaneswar and began its probe on Thursday, has questioned numerous students and staff members intensively so far and has received valuable inputs, stated NHRC Law Registrar Joginder Singh.
NHRC receives valuable inputs:
Singh also added that five classmates of the deceased student have provided crucial details about the day of the incident and its aftermath. Additionally, the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case has appeared before the commission, presenting a detailed report on the investigation.
In light of this, the NHRC has also grilled several KIIT University officials, with several of the institution’s staff members deposing before it at the State Guest House since the start of the investigation.
ALSO READ: NHRC grills 2 women officials of KIIT University in Bhubaneswar
State-government’s inquiry:
It is worth noting that the NHRC probe is ongoing amid a separate inquiry by a high-level committee of the Odisha government, led by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the state Home Department.
The state committee has so far taken the statements of KIIT University founder and former BJD MP, Achyuta Samanta as well as the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and suspended staffers.
NHRC to probe multiple allegations:
Meanwhile, the NHRC probe is looking at various allegations that may also include claimed violation of rights by KIIT University’s sister institution, KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences). Additionally, it is expected that the report and findings of the probe will be completed by March 10.
The range of the probe encompasses several allegations brought forward by KIIT University students in the aftermath of the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a B. Tech third-year student.
ALSO READ: NHRC likely to investigate allegations against KISS in Bhubaneswar
Claims range from the institution’s International Relations Office (ITO) allegedly not paying heed to the mental stress being suffered by Lamsal to haphazard decisions by the university which escalated to Nepal having to use its diplomatic channels with India.
