Why Congress is silent on KIIT University student’s death case, asks Odisha Industries Minister

A day after Odisha Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the tragic death of a Nepali girl student at KIIT University, Odisha Industries Minister Sampad Swain slammed the party and questioned their silence on the issue.

Dismissing the allegations, the Minister questioned the silence of senior Congress leaders including the party President. In a sharp retort, Swain called upon Congress leaders, including the party president, to clarify their stance, questioning their silence on the issue.

“The founder of KIIT University was associated with BJD. Our government has launched a high-level investigative committee to thoroughly probe the incident. Concurrently, dialogues are underway with Nepal's Ministry of External Affairs to confirm that the investigation remains impartial and transparent. But, why is the Congress silent,” the Minister questioned.

He reiterated the BJP government's direct approach to resolving the issue and accused Congress of indulging in negative politics surrounding the controversy.

“Senior leaders of their (Congress) party are silent. So, before casting aspersions on others, Congress should clear its own position,” he stated.

KIIT University on Damage Control Mode: 

Meanwhile, KIIT University has introduced a 24/7 helpline for international students and suspended staff involved in forced evictions. The university announced the Prakriti Lamsal Memorial Scholarship for Nepali students, reportedly, as per her family's request. 

The Odisha government has also mandated third-party audits of hostel security protocols across state universities.

Accused Boyfriend in Police Remand:

The deceased girl Prakriti Lamsal’s rumoured boyfriend Advik Srivastava, also a 21-year-old KIIT student from Lucknow, has been arrested on charges of abetment to suicide after reports suggested persistent harassment by him forced her to die.

He is currently under police remand and being interrogated. The accused Srivastava is undergoing voice spectrography tests to verify alleged abusive voice messages exchanged with Prakriti. 

KIIT University founder and former BJD MP, Achyuta Samanta was also summoned by a state-appointed committee to explain institutional lapses.