Bhubaneshwar, India – The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneshwar on Tuesday said that disciplinary action has been initiated against security staff and officials in connection with the death of an engineering student from Nepal, on its campus, and also issued an apology for distress caused by remarks made following the incident. 

In a notice, the college said that two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer of the International Relations Office (IRO) were suspended, pending a thorough enquiry which is taking place. Besides, two security staffs were terminated immediately, the notice which was shared on X read.

The letter of apology from the KIIT-DU vice chancellor read: “We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our dear Nepali students.” 

The college further said that it has urged students to return to campus and has also set up a 24/7 control room for the purpose to assist students. 

Demand for justice and transparency 

Meanwhile, the students are now demanding justice and transparency from the college administration.
The protesting students are also demanding an independent student body that can protect their rights and interests. They also expressed their apprehensions about the safety of their fellow students.
“We only want a student body that is independent of the college itself and will protect us… Transparency from the faculty should be given on why such incidents are happening… An international student was treated like this, someday, we too can be treated like this…,” said one of the protesting Nepali students.
On February 16, a third-year BTech student was found dead in her hostel room, following which Nepali students staged a protest claiming that she was harassed by her fellow student and demanded justice for her.
An accused student, identified by police as Advik Srivastava, was arrested on February 17 and sent to judicial custody on the same day, as per a press statement by Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack.

“Investigation of the case is continuing, including seizure of the documents and electronic gadgets as evidence…Commissionerate Police is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all the students including Nepali students,” the release said.

Initially, KIIT had issued a notice stating that it was ‘closed sine die for all international students from Nepal’ and directed them to vacate the university campus.

Late on Sunday evening, the college issued a release announcing that it has agreed to allow over 700 Nepali students to return to their hostels and resume their studies.

The father of the deceased girl told ANI that he believes his daughter was ‘harassed and emotionally blackmailed’.

Meanwhile, Nepali Ambassador to India, Shankar P Sharma, held a telephonic conversation with KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta in light of the incident. The KIIT Founder briefed the Nepali envoy about the actions taken by KIIT.

Earlier, Nepali Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said that his government has taken cognizance of the death of the student and is pursuing the matter with India through diplomatic channels.

ANI