Bhubaneswar, February 22: The Odisha Congress activists held protests demanding the arrest of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta, clashing with security at the university.
The protests followed a call for a judicial inquiry by Congress MLAs into the death of a 20-year-old student and the attack on Nepalese students.
Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj stated that the government is awaiting the findings of a high-level committee, which has already recorded statements from KIIT officials, including Samanta.
So far, at least 10 people, including security personnel, have been arrested based on CCTV evidence. One individual has been arrested for abetment to suicide in connection with the Nepalese student's death, and a viral audio clip is being analyzed for authenticity. If proven true, further legal action will be taken.
Congress leader Bijay Patnaik accused KIIT of racial discrimination, citing the eviction of Nepalese students and offensive remarks about Nepal. He also questioned the lack of response from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the central government. Patnaik urged the government to consider revoking KIIT’s university status due to these incidents, which he believes will tarnish Odisha's reputation among international students.
Patnaik linked the incident to KIIT's connection with the ruling party, alleging it had received protection from the former government. He called on the new BJP administration to address the situation effectively.
