KIIT–KISS student deaths: Achyuta Samanta’s ‘nobody can do anything to me’ video surfaces

A series of student deaths at Odisha’s premier KIIT and KISS has once again sparked controversy, with strong criticism being directed at the institutions’ founder, Achyuta Samanta, for his recent remarks at a public event.

Students at KIIT and KISS have reportedly lost their lives one after another in recent times, with allegations ranging from suicides to cases of suspected murder. Amid growing concern over student safety, Achyuta Samanta, who has largely remained silent on these incidents, has now come under scrutiny for statements made during a programme.

Must Read: KISS student murder case: From alleged cover-up to radio silence, 10 unanswered questions

During the event, Samanta reportedly said that he was being targeted continuously and claimed that despite criticism aired on television, his institutions were being managed properly. He further remarked that no matter how much defamation was attempted, no one would be able to take action against him.

Also Read: KISS student murder: Family narrates institute’s ‘cover-up’, appeals to CM Majhi for thorough probe and justice

"So many are after me, day in, day out. Do whatever you want or say whatever you want, but I have maintained myself. They are trying to defame me, but they cannot do anything to me," Achyuta Samanta can be heard saying in the video. 

Amidst the ‘murder’ of a KISS student, his comments have now triggered sharp reactions from various quarters.

Critics allege that instead of addressing the shortcomings and administrative failures within his institutions, Samanta has chosen to blame the media for reporting on the incidents.

Read More: KISS student murder case: Police team arrives at KIMS Medical College, family’s allegations of foul play prove true

Educationist R. N. Panda strongly criticised Samanta’s remarks, stating that had appropriate action been taken in the earlier case involving the death of a Nepali student, the present situation could have been avoided. He urged the government to take a strict stand on the matter and initiate immediate corrective measures to prevent further incidents.

"It is very saddening to know that the day the student died, they had invited the former Governor the previous day for a programme where he stated that the media is after him. He boasted that no one can do anything to him. When a student of his own school was killed, he should have first done an inquiry. However, instead of inquiry, he was boasting about himself. So, the present government, DGP and Home Minister should come forward and stop this. If more such incidents happen than the government cannot handle them. If appropriate action had been taken during the death of a Nepali student, then the present situation could have been avoided," stated Educationist R. N. Panda.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from Achyuta Samanta or the KISS authorities on the allegations and criticism proved unsuccessful till the filing of this report.