Bhubaneswar, February 16: A tragic incident at KIIT University has shaken the institution, its students, and the wider academic community. A Nepali female student died by suicide in the university’s girls’ hostel, prompting swift action from KIIT authorities and law enforcement. The student was reportedly involved in a personal relationship with a fellow student, which is believed to have contributed to her distress. The male student in question was promptly detained at the airport and is currently in police custody.
Protests and Escalation The incident led to unrest among the university’s Nepali students, who gathered on the main road to protest. Tensions were further heightened by the spread of unverified information on social media. Despite a prolonged 10-hour dialogue initiated by the KIIT administration to address concerns, some protesters remained resistant to discussions and continued to disrupt public order, blocking key roadways.
Suicides among students due to emotional distress have been a growing concern in educational institutions across India. While such incidents are tragic, KIIT faced additional challenges due to the inability of certain staff members to effectively manage the situation, further complicating efforts to maintain order.
Administrative Actions and Restoring Normalcy Recognizing the severity of the situation, KIIT’s leadership, in coordination with Bhubaneswar police, took decisive steps to de-escalate tensions. Staff members found to have mishandled interactions with Nepali students were immediately removed from their positions, including those in senior roles.
To prevent further disruption and ensure a fair investigation, Nepali students were initially advised to return home with the support of local guardians. However, following discussions with government authorities, this suspension of academic activities and hostel accommodations was reversed, allowing students to return to campus.
KIIT’s Founder personally addressed concerns in the presence of Nepalese Embassy officials, reassuring students and their families of the institution’s commitment to justice and transparency. As a result, over 400 Nepali students have since returned to campus, expressing satisfaction with the measures taken for their safety and well-being.
Defamation Concerns and Institutional Reputation Despite these corrective actions, KIIT, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), and their Founder have faced a wave of negative campaigns. Some individuals and organizations have used this tragedy to spread misleading narratives, allegedly aiming to tarnish the institution’s reputation. KIIT officials argue that such misinformation undermines not only the university but also Odisha’s standing in the global academic landscape.
KIIT and KISS have long been recognized for their academic excellence and humanitarian contributions, having received over 100 national and international accolades. The institutions have played a crucial role in global educational diplomacy, hosting international events, including the Youth 20 event during the G20 Summit.
Call for Peace and Justice While the university continues to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure justice, its administration has urged the public to allow legal proceedings to take their course without resorting to misinformation. The KIIT community hopes that collective efforts will help restore normalcy and uphold the institution’s legacy of education and social impact.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting students, preventing further distress, and reinforcing the values of truth, peace, and stability within the academic environment.
