Bhubaneswar: Chaotic scenes unfolded on the campus of KIIT university in Odisha's Bhubaneswar on Monday after students launched a protest following the mysterious death of a fellow Nepali girl student due to alleged mental harassment by her ex-boyfriend, also a student of the same university.
The deceased, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science student from Nepal, was reportedly found hanging in the girls' hostel on the premises of the varsity Sunday afternoon. Soon, protests erupted on the campus as students demanded justice for the victim and immediate action against the accused.
The incident came to light when the victim's relative Siddhant Sigadel informed the matter to the Infocity police who reached the spot, recovered the body and sealed the room. The police officials have also seized the girl's laptop and mobile phone for further investigation.
Sunday night, tension ran high when the varsity authorities asked all international students from Nepal to vacate the campus immediately. A notice issued by the KIIT Registrar's office in this regard mentioned, "The University is closed Sine Die for all the International students from Nepal. They are hereby directed to vacate the university campus immediately today on 17th February 2025.”
'Pack Your Backs And Vacate The Campus'
As students continued with their protest, they were allegedly forced to vacate the hostel and head back to their homes, without making arrangements for their travel or accommodation. All the Nepali students were taken in varsity buses and dropped at the railway station and airport.
"The girl had moved the International Relations Office of the varsity over the alleged harassment but no action was taken. As the torture continued, she was forced to end her life," said a Nepali student Himanshu Yadav.
"She (victim) was like our sister. As we sat on dharna demanding justice, we were asked to pack our bags and leave in an hour, " he added.
Another student from Nepal, Rajan Gupta said, "We were protesting for the deceased girl. We don't know what their intentions are but we were forcibly made to vacate the hostel. There is no fixed schedule for the train, I have no money. We have not even had food. We are helpless. We received a notice that all students from Nepal are being suspended, and they have to vacate the hostel at the earliest. The staff members entered the hostel, made us vacate and even hit those who were not vacating quickly."
Condemning the alleged harassment meted out to the Nepali students, ABVP unit of Odisha took to X and said, "Such inhumane act towards students will not be tolerated. We strongly condemn it and demand an immediate response from the university authorities on the matter."
After the news surfaced, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli posted on social media, saying, "It has come to our attention through media and social media that a Nepali student has died in the hostel of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha and that Nepali students have been forcibly evicted from the hostel. The government is working on this matter through diplomatic channels and is in contact with the relevant authorities."
Asked about the incident, Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra said that police have registered a case based on the complaint of Siddhant Sigadel, a relative of the deceased. "The complainant alleged that the victim was subjected to mental torture by her boyfriend, which forced her to end her life. The accused has been detained for questioning," Mishra said.
The DCP further urged all students not to take the law into their own hands and allow the legal process to take its course. "It's a sensitive case. Our investigation is underway and we will also discuss with the parents of the deceased. The situation is being brought under control. At this stage, we cannot confirm the reason behind the incident, but all necessary evidence is being thoroughly examined," he said.
Meanwhile, another notice was issued by the Hostel Superintendent(s) asking all hostel boarders not to go outside till February 18 evening. "Hostel boarders are not allowed to go outside till February 18, 2025 (6 PM)," the order stated.
Speaking on the matter, KIIT University Registrar Prof Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty said, "A third-year B.Tech girl student died by suicide on Sunday. It is extremely unfortunate and saddening. We immediately informed the police and hospital authorities. We got to know that she was in a relationship with another B.Tech student. Owing to some difference in opinion, the girl attempted suicide. Following the incident, fellow Nepali students expressed grief and seemed agitated. The varsity authorities later pacified the students. They have left for their respective homes now."
Appeal To Return To Campus
Following outrage, the KIIT authorities made an appeal to the Nepali students to return to campus and resume the classes. "There was an unfortunate incident which took place late in the evening yesterday (Sunday) on the KIIT campus. Immediately after the incident, police investigated the matter and apprehended the culprit. The KIIT administration has taken all-out efforts to restore normalcy in the campus and hostels to resume the academic activities," stated a fresh notice issued in the evening today.
An appeal is made to all our Nepali students who have or plan to leave the campus to return and resume the classes, it said.
Minister's reaction
Higher Education Minister Suryavanshi Suraj said, "India's relations with Nepal have been very deep. Nepal and Odisha have had relations for a long time. Lord Jagannath has laid the foundation. The incident in KIIT is very sad. We express our condolences to the family. After the incident, the state government's home department has taken immediate steps. The accused has been arrested. The laptop, notes, and mobile phone of the deceased have been seized."
The minister said that the police reached the spot and helped the students negotiate with the authorities. "We have taken the incident seriously and with sensitivity. We are in touch with the university authorities and the Department of External Affairs. An impartial investigation is underway. The Chief Minister has directed me to inform you about the incident. The culprit will definitely be punished. One person has been arrested. If anyone else is involved, efforts will be made to catch him," the minister said.
Minister Suryvanshi further said, "Arrangements have been made to bring back the Nepali students by arranging a state government OSRTC bus. The government will monitor the situation so that Nepali students do not face any kind of mental harassment or threats from the university authorities. We are making arrangements to maintain good relations between Odisha and Nepal. Although the government does not have special jurisdiction over private universities, the state government will impartially investigate this shocking incident.
Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha.
— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) February 17, 2025
Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference. #Nepal #Odisha
Indian Embassy expresses grief:
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal has expressed grief over this incident. In a note, the Embassy expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased at this sad time. "We are in touch with the authorities at the university and the Odisha state government. The embassy has been informed that the local authorities have started an investigation into this unfortunate incident. The college has requested the Nepali students to return," it said.
Nepal Prime Minister's reaction:
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a post on X said, "Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha. Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference. #Nepal #Odisha"
