Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured that the state government will take stringent action against those responsible for the tragic death of a Nepalese student and the subsequent assault on Nepalese students at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT).
Majhi made the commitment during a telephonic conversation with Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, emphasising that Nepalese students are considered “children of the state” and will continue to be treated with respect and dignity.
The Chief Minister confirmed that a close watch is being kept on the developments at KIIT, and all necessary steps will be taken to restore the confidence of the students. He assured that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators involved in the tragic events. “The state government will not spare anyone involved in this incident,” Majhi said.
In response to the situation, Majhi met with Nepal Embassy officials Sanjeev Das Sharma and Naveen Raj Adhikari, informing them that ten people, including security personnel, have been arrested in connection with the attacks on Nepalese students. The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s commitment to restoring a safe academic environment at KIIT and ensuring the students’ well-being.
The Nepalese officials expressed their satisfaction with the state government’s swift response and extended their gratitude to the Odisha government for taking prompt action. They also emphasised the long-standing friendship between Nepal and Odisha and hoped that this incident would not tarnish the relationship.
Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reassured the public that the state government was committed to ensuring justice. “We are awaiting the findings of a high-level committee that has recorded statements from KIIT officials, including its founder,” he said. In the meantime, police have arrested at least 10 individuals based on evidence from CCTV footage, and investigations into the alleged abetment of suicide are ongoing.
Congress Protest
Meanwhile, Congress activists staged a protest demanding the immediate arrest of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta, accusing him of being complicit in the incident. Protesters clashed with security personnel as they attempted to enter the campus. Congress leaders also called for a judicial inquiry into the student’s death and the attacks on Nepalese students, citing allegations of racial discrimination and mistreatment.
Congress leader Bijay Patnaik criticised the silence of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and central government over the matter, suggesting that KIIT’s status as a ‘Deemed to be University’ should be reviewed due to its alleged discriminatory actions. Patnaik also called for the establishment of a special cell to handle complaints from foreign students in the state.
(With PTI Inputs)