Tue Feb 18 16:27:07 UTC 2025: ## KIIT Vice Chancellor Apologizes After Nepali Student’s Death Sparks Outrage

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha** – The vice chancellor of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Prof. Saranjit Singh, issued a public apology on Tuesday for the institution’s handling of the death of a Nepali BTech student. The apology, posted on X (formerly Twitter), follows widespread outrage over KIIT’s response to student protests and the subsequent eviction of nearly 500 Nepali students from their hostels.

The 20-year-old student died by suicide on Sunday, February 16th, allegedly after being harassed by a male classmate, the son of a Bharatiya Janata Party leader in Lucknow. The university’s actions, including the alleged forceful removal of protesting students, drew sharp criticism both domestically and internationally.

Prof. Singh stated that two KIIT officials who made “extremely irresponsible” comments during the incident have been removed from service. Additionally, disciplinary action has been initiated against security staff and other officials, with several suspensions and dismissals announced. This includes the director of the girl’s hostel and an associate professor of computer science, who issued a video apology for their remarks. The university has also rescinded its order for Nepali students to vacate their hostels.

Over 100 Nepali students continue to protest, demanding a high-level investigation. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Oli dispatched embassy officials to Odisha to assist the students, while the Bhubaneswar police confirmed the arrest of the male student for abetting suicide and two KIIT security personnel for assaulting protesting students.

The incident has sparked political controversy in the Odisha assembly, with opposition parties criticizing the state government’s handling of the situation and demanding a judicial inquiry. The victim’s family, while expressing faith in the Odisha police, called for justice and stressed the need to prevent similar tragedies.

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