Five officials, including three directors and two security guards, were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the students protest over the alleged suicide of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar. The incident triggered widespread protests by more than 500 Nepali students across the campus. The matter escalated when the varsity authorities tried to forcibly evict some students from the campus, leading to diplomatic intervention.
The arrest followed a police report released today, which detailed an incident involving the alleged use of force by security guards and university officials to remove protesting students from the campus. Witnesses, according to the police, claimed that the guards verbally abused and physically assaulted the students, resulting in injuries.
The individuals arrested have been identified as two security guards, Ramakanta Nayak and Jogendra Behera, along with three university officials. They now face charges under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the varsity has issued an apology.
"KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our dear Nepali students," the apology letter reads.
WHAT HAPPENED AT KIIT?
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday evening. Her friends claimed that harassment by her ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, led to her taking her own life. Prakriti's father also accused her former boyfriend of "harassing and emotionally blackmailing" his daughter.
Following a complaint from Prakriti's brother, the police filed a case. Advik Srivastava was arrested and charged with abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The incident led to protests by over 500 Nepali students at the campus. Tensions increased when the college attempted to evict some students, prompting diplomatic intervention.
On Tuesday, KIIT issued an apology. The institution stated that it was "actively persuading" students to return to the campus. "A dedicated control room is operational 24x7 at KIIT Campus 6 to facilitate the return of Nepali students," a statement said.
Source: India Today