- विज्ञापन -
Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has written to Odisha’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police regarding the recent death of a Nepalese student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT).
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo confirmed that the commission has taken notice of the incident, issued a notice, and demanded a report from the state authorities within seven days. Further action will depend on the report, and NHRC officials may visit the site if necessary.
Kanoongo also recalled the previous incident where a female student was found dead on campus. He stated that university authorities attempted to hide the facts, which revealed that the student had committed suicide after being sexually assaulted, filmed for pornographic material, and blackmailed. When she sought help from the university, instead of alerting police, the administration allegedly tried to cover up the matter. The NHRC urged strict action against the university administration, citing an unsafe environment.
In response, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a four-member fact-finding committee headed by Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, to investigate the recent deaths. The committee will review the circumstances, ensure compliance with student safety protocols, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents. The committee includes Shashikala Wanjari of NIEPA, HCS Rathore, a former vice-chancellor, and Sunita Siwach as the coordination officer.
Previously, in February, another student, Prakriti Lamsal, also died by suicide at the same institution.
