Odisha’s KIIT University faces backlash after a Nepalese student’s death led to mass protests and the abrupt expulsion of 500+ Nepalese students. Authorities have arrested six officials, while Nepal warns of action if justice isn’t served.
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Bhubaneswar: A day after over 500 students from Nepal were forced to leave the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) campus in Bhubaneswar and were dropped off at Cuttack railway station, the Odisha government set up a three-member committee to investigate the reasons behind the tragic death of a student.
The committee will also look into the alleged mistreatment of students by university authorities and why the institute was suddenly shut down for a “specific group of students.”
So far, the police have arrested six people related to the case, including KIIT’s Director General (HR) Sibananda Mishra, Director (Administration) Pratap Kumar Chamupaty, Director of Hostels Sudhir Kumar Rath, and security guards Jogendra Behera and Ramakanta Nayak (45). On Monday (February 17, 2025), a 21-year-old KIIT student was also arrested for allegedly abetting the girl’s suicide.
In a video, security guards were seen assaulting students who were protesting and demanding justice for the girl’s death, officials said.
The government has instructed the private university to locate the displaced students, offer counselling to those who are distressed, and ensure their safe return.
Tensions had flared on the KIIT campus after the tragic death of a third-year B.Tech (Computer Science) student from Nepal. She was found dead in her hostel room, leading to mass protests by students. On Monday (February 17, 2025), the university administration took Nepalese students to the railway station, which is 30 km away from the campus.
A notice from KIIT stated,
“The university is closed sine die for all the international students from Nepal.”
“Lost our child”
Meanwhile, Odisha Police handed over the student’s body to her father, Sunil Lamsal, after a post-mortem was conducted at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
“We have lost our child, but the same should not happen to other parents,”
-Mr. Lamsal said.
Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Pinak Mishra confirmed that two separate cases had been registered.
“Police have registered two cases, one in connection with the girl’s suicide following a complaint by her cousin, and another by the police on the contents of the social media video where security personnel and staff of the private university were [seen] abusing and beating up students who protested over the incident,”
-he said.
The incident sparked a massive uproar across Odisha, with the matter being raised in the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly. Lawmakers from all parties strongly demanded the arrest of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta and disciplinary action against the institute for its actions against foreign students.
“Officials suspended”
Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj revealed that the university informed the government about the suspension of some officials for their misconduct.
“We are concerned over the circumstances under which the institute declared closed for students from Nepal sine die and why this decision specifically targeted students from Nepal. Why were they dropped off at Cuttack railway station? This issue is not limited to the private university alone, as the incident occurred outside the campus and also involves a foreign country. Why was the Higher Education Department not consulted?”
-he questioned.
He further mentioned that as of 4 p.m. on Tuesday (February 18, 2025), reports confirmed that 100 Nepalese students had returned to the campus, while 800 others were still scattered across Odisha and beyond, with some on their way back to Nepal by bus.
“KIIT authorities have been directed to counsel the traumatised students and facilitate their return to resume their academic pursuits. They have also been instructed to provide hourly updates on the situation,”
-Mr. Suraj stated.
He also warned that the university should not take a revengeful approach against students who took part in the protests.
Many students, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that several of those forced out of the campus had to travel in general train coaches because they did not have reserved tickets. Throughout their journey, they kept sharing their ordeal over phone calls with their Indian friends.
The Nepal government has also responded strongly to the situation. It warned that if the matter is not handled in a “justifiable and legal way,” it might stop issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to students planning to study in Odisha.
Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology released a statement on Tuesday (February 18, 2025), urging students and guardians to remain patient.
“The Ministry is continuously making diplomatic efforts through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure a conducive environment for resuming the studies of Nepalese students,”
-the statement read.
To address the concerns arising from this incident, the Nepalese government has set up a help desk to assist affected students and ensure a fair resolution.
The family of the deceased Nepalese student has several legal remedies to seek justice for her tragic death
- 1. Criminal Action
- Filing an FIR for Abetment to Suicide (Section 306 IPC): Since a student has already been arrested for allegedly abetting her suicide, her family can push for a thorough investigation to hold all responsible parties accountable.
- Investigation into Institutional Negligence: If university officials, security staff, or other students contributed to her distress through harassment, mistreatment, or failure to provide a safe environment, charges under Sections 304A (Causing death by negligence) and Section 323 (Causing hurt) of the IPC may apply.
- Action Against Assault on Protesting Students (Section 323 & 352 IPC): The video evidence of security guards assaulting protesting students can be used to initiate criminal proceedings.
- 2. Civil Remedies
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit: The family can file a civil suit against KIIT University for failing to prevent the circumstances that led to her death. Compensation for emotional suffering, loss of life, and educational expenses may be claimed.
- Violation of Fundamental Rights: Since international students are entitled to protection under Indian law, a case can be filed under Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity) of the Indian Constitution.
- 3. Action Against the University
- Complaint to University Grants Commission (UGC) & AICTE: The family can approach regulatory bodies demanding action against KIIT for mishandling the situation and forcefully evicting Nepalese students.
- Closure of University Operations for Violating Student Rights: If found guilty, KIIT may face strict penalties, including temporary suspension or revocation of its accreditation.
- 4. Diplomatic & International Legal Action
- Intervention by the Nepal Government: Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs can pressurize Indian authorities for a fair trial and better treatment of Nepalese students in India.
- Petition in International Human Rights Forums: If justice is not served, the family can approach organizations like the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for intervention.
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