Opposition parties question delay in KIIT University inquiry report in Odisha Assembly

The Odisha Legislative Assembly was embroiled in discussions on Thursday over the delay in the release of the investigation report by the high-level committee in connection with the allegedly ‘wrong handling’ of student unrest at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar and the suspicious death of a Nepali girl student of the varsity in a hostel room on February 16 (Sunday).

Also Read: Elderly residents lodge complaint with Odisha CM over ‘land encroachment by KIIT University’

The probe report pertains to the suicide, an incident that sparked significant concern both regionally and internationally. The high-level committee, constituted by the State government on 18 February, was tasked with probing the case. Despite intense scrutiny, a full month has passed since the inquiry began, and the report has yet to see the light of day.

In the Assembly, members from Opposition parties, some from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and a few others from Congress, expressed their dissatisfaction over the delay. “Where is the KIIT investigation report? When will actions be taken?" were among the pressing questions raised. Chief among those querying were BJD legislators Ranendra Pratap Swain and Sarada Jena. They highlighted how the situation has strained Nepal-India relations, leading to diplomatic apologies.

Congress party joined in these calls, demanding immediate public release of the findings and prompt governmental action. The investigation, led by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Satyabrata Sahu as part of a three-member committee, involved the interrogations of 17 officials, including KIIT's founder Achyuta Samanta, and three students.

However, the Higher Education Minister's written response offered no clear timeline for the report's progress or expected submission.
Adding a layer of complexity, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted its inquiry earlier this month, yet details of its findings remain undisclosed.

Meanwhile, unrelated legal matters concerning the alleged land encroachments and land grabbing by Achyuta Samanta have also surfaced, as per a complaint lodged by Bansidhar Behera at the Infocity Police Station, claiming unlawful occupation of land.

Amidst these controversies, the call for transparency continues to grow, with many urging the Government to clarify the status of both investigations.

Questions raised by the Opposition parties

“Only committees are being constituted on Chikiti liquor deaths, Bharatpur police assault case, and KIIT University student unrest. None of the reports are being disclosed. If the report comes in, we will be sure that the government is sincerely taking steps,” BJD’s Ranendra Pratap Swain said.

“When would the ongoing inquiry report (pertaining to KIIT University) be presented in the House? That is what I asked the Higher Education Minister in the Legislative Assembly today. The House and residents of the entire State have every right to know this,” BJD MLA Sarada Jena expressed while speaking to mediapersons.

Must Read: KIIT University row: Guilty will not be spared, says Odisha Law Minister

“A debate on alleged land scam and other issues should be held in the Legislative Assembly. What decision has the government taken and what about the inquiry report, are also of prime importance,” Congress leader Bahinipati stated.