Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Director General (Investigation) to form a team and conduct a probe into the alleged suicide of a Nepali student at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar.
The NHRC has also directed the official to submit the investigation report by March 10.
The complainant alleged that Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at KIIT University, had faced harassment by her named ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, and that the university’s International Relations Office (IRO) had neglected her complaints, contributing to her tragic suicide.
Protests by Nepali students seeking justice were met with verbal abuse, threats, and physical assault by KIIT officials and security guards.
Additionally, the complainant accused KIIT University and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) of exploiting tribal children, violating their human rights, and engaging in illegal land acquisitions, the complainant alleged.
A 2017 Child Welfare Committee report revealed poor living conditions at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), including overcrowding, unclean facilities, and lack of basic amenities, it said.
The complainant urged the Commission to take action against KIIT officials, including founder Achyuta Samanta, for their failure to address harassment complaints and their involvement in the exploitation of tribal students.
During a proceedings on February 28, the Commission directed the Director General (Investigation) of NHRC to assign a team of officers/ officials from the Investigation Division and Law Division of the Commission to conduct an on-spot inquiry at the KIIT University, in accordance with the provisions of the PHRA, 1993 and to submit their inquiry report to the Commission by March 10, 2025.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the NHRC also directed the Registrar (Law) to proceed for inquiry in KIIT University, Bhubaneswar to conduct an on spot inquiry along with team consisting two officers from Investigation Division, one not below the rank of SSP and one officer/official from Law Division and submit its inquiry report to the Commission by 10 March, 2025.