Odisha law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said, “No individuals, even those remotely connected to the incident, will be exempt from scrutiny or justice.”
Bhubaneswar: Amid ongoing student unrest at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar following the suspicious death of a Nepali girl student, the institution's founder, Achyuta Samanta, has been summoned to appear before a high-level committee constituted by the Odisha government to investigate the incident.
According to sources, Samanta is expected to appear before the panel at 6.30 pm on Friday.
Odisha law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, while speaking to media persons outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly building on Thursday, emphasized the state government's commitment to ensuring accountability. “No individuals, even those remotely connected to the incident, will be exempt from scrutiny or justice,” he asserted.
A high-level committee has already commenced its investigation at the university, while police continue their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
“Whether it's university authorities or any other individuals, those found guilty will face legal consequences,” Harichandan affirmed.
Following the student's death, allegations of harassment and intimidation against other Nepali students at the university have surfaced, prompting further investigation.
The law minister assured that these allegations are being thoroughly examined to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.
“Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has clearly stated the government’s position on this matter. He has also assured Nepali students at KIIT that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future,” Harichandan stated.
“The safety of students is the government’s responsibility. The legal process will continue, and those found guilty will face appropriate consequences,” he added.
The suspicious death of the Nepali student at the KIIT University hostel has sparked widespread controversy. Students have raised questions about a possible attempt to conceal facts related to the incident, alleging that the university tried to suppress information.
Concerns have been heightened by reports that the student’s body was moved hastily without police presence, which is typically required in such cases. This has fuelled speculation and unrest among the student community.
