Controversy at KIIT: NHRC Demands Answers on Student's Tragic Suicide

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has identified gross negligence by authorities in the suicide of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). They have requested an action taken report from Odisha's government, UGC, and NAAC, following the student's death and subsequent unrest on campus.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sharply criticized the administration of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) following the suicide of a 20-year-old B Tech student from Nepal. Citing gross negligence, the NHRC has demanded an action taken report within four weeks from the Odisha government, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

The inquiry by NHRC revealed that the deceased, Prakriti Lamsal, had filed a complaint against a fellow student for alleged blackmail months before her tragic death. The NHRC's investigation pointed to significant lapses by the university's International Relations Office and other university officials, which they deemed tantamount to abetment to suicide.

The incident, which also triggered unrest among the Nepalese student community on campus, has attracted widespread backlash, including involvement from Nepal's prime minister. Odisha authorities have arrested multiple individuals, including a male student and KIIT staff, while further intervention from state and international bodies remains ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)