Achyuta Samanta, founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), on Thursday issued an apology to the parents of Nepalese students, urging those who vacated the campus following recent turmoil to return.
The appeal came in the wake of the unnatural death of a Nepalese student and the ensuing protests, which resulted in administrative actions and security concerns.
Samanta’s public statement, delivered in the presence of students and Nepal Embassy officials, was shared via KIIT’s official social media accounts.
His remarks followed a summons by the Odisha government’s high-level inquiry committee, requiring him to appear for questioning on Friday.
“We all are very sorry and saddened over the unfortunate incident that happened on February 16 night. I am also personally feeling sad. We have taken action against some people,” Samanta stated.
“Your university is running calm and quiet, and students are attending classes. We all are happy. A few students from Nepal who are in KIIT are also attending the classes. So, I humbly advise all the KIIT students from Nepal, please join your own university and attend classes,” he added.
Assuring students and their families, he continued, “I want to assure you there will be no harm, regarding academics, campus placement or discipline. I beg apology before the parents of Nepalese students studying at KIIT. My lovable KIITians, please come back soon, we are all interested to see you.”
Students return after assurances
KIIT University Additional Registrar Shyam Sundar Behura confirmed that Nepalese students had started returning and that over 100 had already rejoined classes.
“They (Nepali students) have started returning. We had a very dedicated control room set up, through which we are connected to the parents. They have already started coming since 18th evening,” Behura said.
He added, “We have been conducting video conferences with parents, where our vice-chancellor has directly addressed concerns. The parents are convinced, and they will be sending their wards back. We are ensuring their safety, facilitating their return, and making every effort to resume normalcy.”
Also read: Odisha CM assures justice, urges students to return to KIIT
Despite initial disruptions, Behura noted that the academic schedule remained intact.
“Classes have already started. Even a few students attended the placement drive day before yesterday. There is no protest by the students; all of them have been taken care of in the hostel, with food, transport, and academics continuing smoothly,” he said.
While protests outside the university continue, he emphasised that no enrolled KIIT students were involved.
“All actions taken have been made public, and we are fully complying with government directives,” he asserted.
Security has been reinforced to prevent external disturbances on campus.
Investigations and arrests
The Odisha government has launched a probe into the events leading to the student’s death and the subsequent unrest.
The state’s Higher Education Department has summoned Samanta to appear before a high-level committee on Friday, demanding documentary evidence on the matter.
The committee, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, includes the secretaries of Higher Education and Women and Child Development.
It aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s alleged suicide, examine the institute’s actions, and investigate the issuing of suspension notices to approximately 1,000 Nepalese students.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj stated, “The high-level committee is empowered to summon anyone for inquiry. The state government has also engaged with officials from the Nepal Embassy and assured students of necessary support.”
The unrest erupted following the alleged suicide of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student from Nepal, on 16 February. Protests ensued, with students alleging institutional negligence.
The police arrested Advik Srivastava, a fellow student, on charges of abetting her suicide, stating he had blackmailed and verbally abused her.
Following this, KIIT authorities issued suspension notices to Nepalese students and instructed them to vacate hostels, prompting intervention by both the Odisha government and the Centre. Subsequent appeals and reassurances led to the gradual return of students.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested 11 individuals, including five KIIT staff members, for their alleged involvement in the assault on Nepalese students during the campus evacuation. Those initially granted bail faced renewed scrutiny, with law enforcement under pressure to ensure justice.
Government and diplomatic efforts
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for the swift return of Nepalese students to KIIT, assuring safety and justice.
A high-level discussion at the State Guest House, attended by Nepalese diplomats and senior officials, sought to restore normalcy and address concerns.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office read: “Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi spoke with Nepali Counsellors Shri Sanjeeb Das Sharma and Navin Raj Adhikari, assuring them that justice will be served. Peace and normalcy will be restored on the KIIT campus.”
Further, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba engaged with Odisha officials regarding the matter.
The state government has set up a 24-hour help desk to facilitate the return of Nepalese students.
Also read: KIIT suicide case: Univ founder summoned; 5 more arrested
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