The Odisha government has directed KIIT University to take stringent action against employees involved in the mistreatment of students, following the recent suicide of a Nepalese girl in her hostel room.
This directive came after Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, communicated with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of Nepalese students.
Dr. Deuba urged the removal of teachers and staff who had misbehaved with Nepalese students. In response, the Odisha government has issued instructions to the KIIT authorities to take immediate measures to restore the confidence of Nepalese students, many of whom have yet to return to the campus.
The Nepal government has expressed worry that their students could face retaliation if the “unruly” staff members remain at the institute. Of the nearly 1,000 Nepalese students at KIIT, only a few have returned to campus, despite assurances from the state government and apologies from the university.
One Nepalese student recounted the harrowing experience of being forcibly evicted from hostels and dropped at a railway station without tickets. The student emphasized the lingering fear among the students who have undergone such distressing experiences.
Following the incident, the police arrested 10 KIIT employees, including director-level officials and security guards, on charges of assaulting the students. KIIT University has terminated two security staff members and suspended three senior officials pending an inquiry.
The university authorities have also issued an apology for the disparaging comments made by some staff members and the distress caused to the students. Prakriti Lamsal, the 20-year-old Nepalese girl, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, coinciding with the institute’s foundation day celebrations.
The incident has triggered widespread protests and diplomatic intervention, highlighting the urgent need for better governance and student safety in higher education institutions. The Odisha government has assured that necessary actions will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
This tragic event underscores the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds and nationalities.
