Bhubaneswar: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has expressed serious concerns regarding the suspicious death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University, calling for a fair and transparent investigation into the incident. ABVP members presented a memorandum today to Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryavanshi Suraj, demanding immediate action and the protection of Nepali students at the university, urging the state government to intervene swiftly.
In response to the unrest triggered by the death, the Odisha government has instructed the founder of KIIT University, Dr Achyuta Samanta, to appear before a high-level committee established to investigate the matter. Sources confirm that Samanta is scheduled to meet the committee at 6:30 PM tomorrow at the state guest house. This follows the committee’s visit to the university on Wednesday, where preliminary details about the incident were collected. The notice to Samanta was issued based on these findings.
The committee, led by the Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha’s Home Department and including representatives from the Women & Child Development and Higher Education Departments, is responsible for investigating the incident.
The ABVP has raised alarming concerns about reports of Nepali students being harassed by university security personnel. They allege that students have faced threats, forced expulsions, and were denied permission to remain on campus. Furthermore, there are allegations of a lack of cooperation from university staff during the crisis.
The ABVP delegation stated that recent events at KIIT University have severely impacted the students’ well-being. Following protests by Nepali students, they have encountered threats and unjust actions. In the memorandum, the ABVP urged the state government to intervene to safeguard the rights and safety of Nepali students. The organisation also requested close monitoring of university administration’s actions until the investigation is concluded. Additionally, they demanded that no student be penalised due to the protests or be denied campus placements.
The ABVP called for legal action against those responsible for the forced expulsion and attacks on students. They insisted on a fair investigation into Prakriti Lamsal’s death, with public access to the post-mortem report and CCTV footage. The organisation stressed that no evidence should be tampered with and that students should not be coerced into signing affidavits.
Moreover, the ABVP called for disciplinary action against any staff members who have harmed the relationship between Nepal and India, suggesting that they should face sedition charges. They also demanded that Dr. Achyut Samanta be included in the investigation to ensure transparency.
Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, National General Secretary of ABVP, stated, “Recent events at KIIT University have severely impacted students’ self-esteem and mental health, while also jeopardising their safety. The university administration’s handling of this sensitive issue has been highly insensitive and irresponsible. Attempts to suppress students and silence their voices are unacceptable. We expect the state government to intervene swiftly and effectively to protect students’ rights, ensure justice, and hold the university administration accountable. ABVP stands firmly with the students in this struggle for justice and will leave no stone unturned in securing their rights.”
ABVP has pledged to continue its fight until justice is served and the voices of the affected students are heard.
Bajrang Dal Protests at KIIT University Over Various Allegations and Demands Immediate Action
The Bhubaneswar City Unit of Bajrang Dal organised a protest today at the entrance of KIIT University, demanding immediate action on various issues, including the alleged mistreatment of Nepali students, strained relations between India and Nepal, and delayed justice for the family of deceased student Prakriti Lamsal.
The protest, led by Prabhat Bhushan Tripathy, Joint Secretary of Bajrang Dal Odisha, also featured participation from other prominent members, including Bhubaneswar City Unit Secretary Pratyush Rautaray, Student Leader Abhimanyu Patra, and Chinmay Samal, along with over 100 activists.
The demonstrators staged a protest, burning effigies and shouting slogans, demanding justice for the victim’s family and immediate action from the university authorities. The protesters also planned to force their way onto the campus and continue their demonstrations unless their demands were addressed.
