Wed Feb 26 06:20:00 UTC 2025: **Odisha Probes KIIT Amid Student Suicide and Unrest**
BHUBANESWAR, INDIA – February 26, 2025 – The Odisha government is intensifying its investigation into the alleged suicide of a 20-year-old Nepalese BTech student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the subsequent unrest on campus. A high-level committee, formed on February 18th, has summoned KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta and several other top officials for questioning. The officials are being interrogated regarding the circumstances surrounding the student’s death, including allegations of harassment, racial abuse targeting Nepalese students, and the issuing of eviction notices specifically to Nepalese students.
The investigation follows pressure from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Nepalese government, which expressed concerns over the safety and well-being of Nepalese students in India. Nepal’s Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, urged India to ensure justice. The Odisha government has also been pressured to take action against “unruly” KIIT employees.
The incident sparked protests, with students alleging they were beaten and forcibly evicted from the hostel. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticized the state government’s handling of the situation, accusing it of shielding those responsible and failing to adequately address the concerns of Nepalese students. The Congress and CPI(M) have demanded stringent action against KIIT authorities. Meanwhile, the BJP has defended the government’s response. The investigation continues.
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