Nepalese Student’s Tragic Death at KIIT Raises Questions Over Unanswered Sexual Harassment Complaint
The tragic death of a Nepalese student at KIIT in February has raised serious concerns about campus safety and the handling of sexual harassment complaints. According to Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, the student had filed a sexual harassment complaint nearly 11 months before her death, yet no action was taken. The 20-year-old engineering student was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, allegedly driven to suicide due to the lack of response to her complaint.
Minister Suraj, responding to a written question from Congress MLA Dasarathi Gomanga in the Odisha assembly, confirmed that the student had lodged her complaint with the KIIT authorities on March 12, 2024. A high-level committee was subsequently formed by the state government to investigate her death and the alleged harassment faced by students protesting against the university’s handling of the matter. So far, 19 individuals have recorded their statements before the committee.
Adding to the controversy, KIIT has submitted documents to the government regarding the formation of its internal complaints committee, as per University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. However, questions remain about whether the institution followed due process in addressing the student’s complaint.
The incident sparked widespread protests on campus, leading to a severe crackdown by the varsity authorities. Reports indicate that protesting students were forcibly evicted, transported to Cuttack railway station, and left without tickets to return home. This move triggered massive outrage, with students and activists demanding justice and accountability.
The case has also led to political discussions, with BJP MLA Om Prakash Mishra seeking details about retired IAS, IPS, and other government officers working at KIIT, including their joining dates and salaries. Meanwhile, the Higher Education Department clarified that KIIT did not receive any financial grants from the government in the last financial year.
In a related development, a student from the university was arrested a day after the girl’s body was found, accused of abetment to suicide. The case continues to unfold as authorities probe deeper into the circumstances surrounding the student’s complaint and the response, or lack thereof, from the university administration.
As the investigation continues, the case has fueled debates on the effectiveness of sexual harassment complaint mechanisms in educational institutions. The incident has also led to renewed calls for strict enforcement of UGC guidelines to ensure student safety. The outcome of the inquiry will be closely watched as students and activists demand justice for the deceased.
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