India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its commitment to the safety and well-being of international students following the alleged suicide of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the subsequent expulsion of Nepali students from the university.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed condolences to the grieving family, emphasizing that the Indian government prioritizes the security of all foreign students. He stated that the MEA has been in continuous contact with the Odisha government, KIIT authorities, and Nepalese officials regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the incident has intensified, with a high-level committee formed by the Odisha government summoning KIIT founder Achyut Samanta. The Higher Education Department has officially requested Samanta to appear before the committee at the State Guest House at 6:30 PM on February 21 and submit relevant documents as evidence.
The three-member committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Satyabrat Sahu, is tasked with examining various aspects of the case, including the circumstances of the student’s death, the university’s actions in response to the incident, selective issuance of notices to certain students, and the indefinite closure of the institute for affected students.
The committee visited KIIT on Wednesday, engaging with Nepali students, particularly those who allegedly faced mistreatment by institute staff during protests on campus. Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryavanshi Suraj, affirmed that the committee holds full legal authority to summon individuals and conduct the investigation lawfully. He further assured that the state government remains committed to protecting student welfare and has been coordinating with the Nepali Embassy.
The unrest at KIIT erupted following the alleged suicide of 20-year-old Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal on Sunday afternoon. The incident triggered protests by Nepali students demanding justice. In response, KIIT management issued suspension notices to nearly 1,000 Nepali students, ordering them to vacate the campus by Monday.
Authorities have since arrested a 21-year-old engineering student on charges of abetting the suicide. Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh confirmed that the suspect was apprehended at Biju Patnaik International Airport while attempting to flee the city. He faces allegations of blackmailing and abusing the deceased student and has been placed in three-day custody.
Additionally, Odisha police arrested five KIIT employees on Thursday for allegedly assaulting Nepali students during the hostel eviction process. With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals detained in connection to the controversy has reached 11, including the engineering student.
21st Feb 2025
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