Third death in a year: Student bodies accuse KIIT University of ignoring mental health, safety

The ‘Chatra Samaj Odisha’ has strongly condemned KIIT University following the alleged suicide of a student from Chhattisgarh in the varsity hostel on Sunday night. The organisation accused the university authorities of negligence and failure to ensure student safety.

In a statement, the students’ body alleged that KIIT has repeatedly ignored the mental health concerns of students and lacks adequate counselling mechanisms, which they claim have contributed to deteriorating conditions on campus. 

They warned that such incidents are tarnishing Odisha’s image at national and international levels due to what they termed as the university’s irresponsible attitude.

Odisha Govt’s Intervention Demanded

Demanding immediate intervention, the students’ body urged the Odisha government to take the matter seriously and initiate strict action to prevent further incidents. They emphasised the need for strong mental health support systems, transparency in investigations, and accountability from private educational institutions.

“Why are there frequent student suicides in KIIT University? Neither are the University students being counselled, nor are they taking proper care of the students. Three suicide cases have been reported within a year. The matter should be taken up seriously,” demanded Dipak Guru, convenor of Chatra Samaj Odisha.

Bibhuti Mohapatra, convenor of Students Against Corruption, said, “KIIT University has turned into a hunted educational institute. The high-level committee’s report on the Nepali student’s death case is yet to be made public. The government, as well as the parents, needs to be more cautious.” 

Also Read: ‘This must stop’: How many more student deaths until KIIT University finally wakes up?

This incident marks yet another controversy, raising concerns about student safety and welfare at leading educational campuses in Odisha. The investigation is currently underway.