Odisha govt places KIIT University under notice, sets up high-level probe committee following girl student’s death

The Odisha government, on Tuesday, constituted a high-level fact-finding committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Home Department to probe into the death of a Nepalese female student inside the hostel premises of KIIT University as well as the alleged excessive use of force by university security personnel.

A press note dated 18th February stated that the high-level committee would comprise the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the Principal Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department, and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department as its members.

“In light of the recent unfortunate incident relating to KIIT University, the Government of Odisha has taken immediate cognizance of the matter and taken steps to arrest security guards and suspension of erring officials involved,” stated the letter.

What does the notice say?

The notice also informed that KIIT University has been placed under notice and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the committee. The government also stated to have taken note of the alleged use of force against hostel inmates and students of the university by ‘private individuals’.

ALSO READ: Nepal girl’s death in KIIT University: Local goons assaulted hostel inmates, alleges student in viral audio

Audio clip alleges goons assaulting students

In the chain of events, a viral audio clip that surfaced on social media and which has been obtained by OTV featured a phone conversation between a student and their relative. In the call, he can be hard claiming that local goons entered the hostel premises and demanded every student to delete all any incriminating materials like photos and videos related to the incident and the protests.

ALSO READ: Bhubaneswar KIIT University girl student’s death sparks massive protests in Nepal bringing global shame

KIIT University’s response

Meanwhile, KIIT University has yet to respond to students’ allegations of private individuals entering its premises and carrying out an assault. However, it has issued an apology regarding its management of the protests and stated that it had suspended five of its staff, including security officials.