Nepali student’s death to illegal encroachment: KIIT University row sparks heated discussion in Odisha Assembly

The Odisha Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that the inquiry report related to the death of a Nepali student at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar has reportedly been submitted to the State Government. 

Responding to a question raised by Congress MLA Dasarathi Gamang, the Minister said that the report of the high-level committee is currently under examination.

Notably, a Nepali student died in the university’s hostel, reportedly by suicide, in February 2025. The incident, which allegedly triggered widespread criticism and demands for transparency over campus safety and student welfare, has been under scrutiny for several weeks. 

After the much uproar, the Higher Education department constituted a three-member high-level committee to investigate the matter. The committee reportedly collected evidence of 19 individuals in connection with the case. However, the government has not yet disclosed the findings publicly, and no action has been taken based on the report.

Replying to another question on the alleged illegal encroachment of a public road by KIIT University, the Higher Education Minister stated that the matter does not fall directly under the department’s jurisdiction. However, he reportedly assured the House that a detailed ground inspection will be conducted soon.

According to information received from the General Administration Department, a joint field inquiry is being planned with the participation of officials from the General Administration Department, IDCO, BDA, BMC, and the local Tehsildar. Based on this inspection, necessary steps may be taken regarding the alleged encroachment, the Minister said.

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No comments could be obtained from KIIT University officials in this connection.