The authorities at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar issued an apology letter on February 18 regarding the alleged misconduct of two employees towards students. The university confirmed that the two employees have been dismissed, describing their actions as irresponsible and noting that the comments were made impulsively and in a personal capacity.
In its apology, KIIT acknowledged the inappropriate behaviour and stated that the two employees had regretted their actions.
Letter of Apology from the Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU
KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of… pic.twitter.com/mJb1Zo9jGj
— KIIT – Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 18, 2025
“We deeply regret how some of our staff interacted with the protesting students. We care for our students and have always strived to serve them well. The comments made by these two individuals were extremely irresponsible. Although their remarks were made in a personal context and were not premeditated, we do not condone their behaviour. We have terminated their employment, and both have apologised for their actions. We also offer our sincere apologies for what occurred and extend our love and support to all students and the people of Nepal. We value them just as much as we value the people of India and worldwide. We also urge our Nepali students to resume their academic activities immediately,” KIIT released.
In addition, two security staff members were dismissed after being accused of assaulting some of the protesting students.
Police have arrested the security guards, identified as Ramakanta Nayak (45) and Jogendra Behera (25), and a criminal case has been filed against them.
ABVP’s Fresh Allegation
Today, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged that the university administration is requiring Nepali female students to sign undertakings before allowing them to return. It is also claimed that those who choose not to return are offered Rs 2,500. A video addressing this issue has been shared on the social media account of the Odisha unit of ABVP.
Girl students returning to the hostel are being asked to sign this undertaking, while those not returning are being offered ₹2500 to come back. Is the university trying to buy students? This raises serious concerns about the management's intentions and policies.#ABVPForStudents pic.twitter.com/Dej3cpOftB
— ABVP Odisha (@abvpodisha) February 18, 2025
“Girl students returning to the hostel are being asked to sign this undertaking, while those not returning are being offered Rs 2,500 to come back. Is the university trying to buy students? This raises serious concerns about the management’s intentions and policies,” stated ABVP Odisha on X.
KIIT issue echoes in the Odisha Assembly; BJP MLA demands arrest of KIIT founder
The issue of Nepalese students being forcibly sent away and mistreated following the suicide of a Nepalese student resonated in the Odisha Legislative Assembly today. During Zero Hour, BJP MLA Babu Singh called for the arrest of KIIT founder Achyut Samant, while Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter, underscoring its seriousness. He further stated that he would organise a dharna if a judicial inquiry were not ordered. BJD MLA Pratap Kesari Dev also raised the issue in the Assembly.
During Zero Hour, Bhubaneswar (Ekamra) MLA Babu Singh highlighted the expulsion of Nepalese students from KIIT following the death of a student, declaring it a very serious matter. He accused KIIT of engaging in illegal activities and called for Achyut Samant’s arrest.
He alleged that KIIT had illegally occupied vacant land, conducted unlawful construction on forest land, and acquired land at low prices through coercive means, forcibly taking it from its original owners. He reiterated his demand for Achyut Samant’s arrest.
Condemning the actions of KIIT authorities against protesting students, Congress MLA Tara Bahinipati called for a judicial inquiry into the death of the Nepali student.
“Odisha has faced global condemnation for the actions taken by KIIT authorities against Nepali students demanding justice for the deceased student on campus. Bharat shares a close relationship with Nepal, a country that contributes Kasturi to Lord Jagannath. The mistreatment of Nepali students during their protest is unacceptable. Around 1,500 students were expelled from the university and forced to leave the campus. Videos of the crackdown on Nepali students have gone viral, which has deeply disturbed me, as this issue touches the cultural heart of Odisha and Lord Jagannath’s legacy,” the Congress MLA stated.
He further called for the state government’s intervention and declared he would remain seated in the House until a judicial inquiry is ordered.
It may be noted that the tragic suicide of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar had heightened tensions on campus. The situation deteriorated further when the university administration ordered all Nepali students to vacate the campus instead of addressing the issue, which provoked additional unrest. This decision, coupled with the forced transportation of students to Cuttack Railway Station, ignited widespread condemnation and protests from local student organisations.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) swiftly responded to the university’s actions by staging protests outside the campus and expressing solidarity with the affected Nepali students. ABVP activists provided food, water, and emotional support to the students at Cuttack Station, all while demanding justice for Prakriti Lamsal.
The national leadership of ABVP condemned the university’s actions, labelling them as inhumane and a violation of human rights. The ABVP’s intervention proved vital in resolving the situation, as sustained protests and pressure led the university to reverse its decision and invite Nepali students back to campus.
