Odisha govt takes action following Nepali student’s suicide at KIIT University

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has expressed serious concern over the tragic suicide of a Nepali girl student at the KIIT University hostel on Sunday evening.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government confirmed that it had swiftly taken notice of the incident. As part of its immediate response, two security guards were arrested, and two officials were suspended. KIIT University has been put on notice, with further legal and administrative actions to follow based on the findings of a High-Level Committee.

This committee includes the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department.

The government also announced that an investigation is underway into reports of misconduct, including the use of force against students by private individuals. Those found responsible will be held accountable according to the law. The state reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students and assured swift and fair justice.

The incident sparked protests from Nepali students, prompting KIIT authorities to order the immediate eviction of all Nepali students from the hostel on Monday. This move was met with strong backlash, including from Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who opposed the decision to declare the students’ stay “sine die.” In response, Oli sent two officers from the Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi to support the affected students. The Nepalese government also made arrangements for the students to either stay in their hostels or return home as per their preference.

Amid the growing pressure, KIIT reversed its “sine die” order, allowing Nepali students to return to campus and resume their studies. In an apology, KIIT Vice-Chancellor Saranjit Singh expressed regret over the incident and confirmed that two security guards and two hostel officials had been suspended for their misconduct.

The issue also sparked a heated debate in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday, with BJP and Congress members demanding strong action against KIIT authorities for tarnishing the reputation of Odisha and India.