Hundreds of students from KIIT University in Bhubaneswar gathered on Monday to protest the tragic death of a Nepali student, demanding justice and accountability. The student, a 20-year-old mechanical engineering major, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday evening, hanging from a ceiling fan. Her death has sparked allegations of harassment and negligence by university authorities, leading to widespread anger and public outcry.
Students claimed the young woman had been subjected to harassment by a fellow student, Advik Srivastava, for several months. Despite her reports to the university’s international relations department, they allege no action was taken to address her complaints. The protests were fueled by the belief that the victim’s cries for help were ignored, exacerbating her distress and ultimately leading to the tragic incident.
The police are investigating the case, which initially appears to be a suicide. Bhubaneswar’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pinak Mishra, confirmed that Srivastava has been detained on suspicion of abetting the suicide. However, the situation is far from settled, with both the authorities and students urging for a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Tensions Escalate as KIIT University Faces Backlash
The tragic incident has ignited fierce protests on the campus. Hundreds of students took to the streets early on Monday morning, blocking the main roads in front of KIIT University. Their frustrations were aimed squarely at the institution, accusing the administration of turning a blind eye to the victim’s complaints. “We’ve been trying to raise our voices for months, but no one listened,” one of the protesting students shouted.
The situation intensified when KIIT University issued a controversial notice directing all Nepali students to vacate the campus. The notice, which ordered students to leave by February 17, added fuel to the fire. Many students see this move as an attempt to silence the protestors and avoid further scrutiny. Nepali students, in particular, expressed their outrage, demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the case.
Harassment Allegations Surrounding the Deceased Student
According to student testimonies, the deceased victim had been facing ongoing harassment at the hands of Advik Srivastava. The harassment reportedly began several months ago, with the victim allegedly reaching out to the university’s international relations department for help. However, students claim that no support was offered, leaving her vulnerable and isolated.
The nature of the harassment remains unclear, but multiple sources from the university suggest that it involved verbal abuse and possible emotional manipulation. Students believe the harassment contributed to the victim’s distress, ultimately leading her to take such a tragic step. “She was in a lot of pain,” a fellow student said, requesting anonymity. “We all knew something was wrong, but no one did anything to stop it.”
The Role of the University in Addressing Grievances
The protests have raised significant questions about KIIT University’s role in addressing student complaints, particularly those involving harassment. The university’s response has been under scrutiny, with many accusing the administration of neglecting its duty of care toward students.
“It’s not just about this one incident. There’s a pattern here,” said a student leader involved in the protest. “Students have been speaking out about harassment for a long time, but nothing ever changes.” Several other students have come forward with similar stories of mistreatment and neglect.
In response to the protests, KIIT University released a statement, expressing condolences for the victim’s family and stating that the university was cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. However, the statement did little to quell the anger among the student body, who continue to demand accountability and transparency.
Nepali Students Seek Justice and Accountability
Nepali students, who form a significant part of the international student body at KIIT University, have been particularly vocal in their calls for justice. The victim was one of many Nepali students enrolled at the university, and her death has shaken the close-knit community. In a statement released following the tragedy, the Nepali Students’ Association at KIIT University called for a “full and fair investigation,” adding that the accused individual, Advik Srivastava, must be arrested.
The victim’s family, still reeling from the loss, has yet to make a public statement but is reportedly seeking legal recourse. Nepali authorities have also expressed concern, with several diplomats in India reaching out to the university and local officials for more information.
What’s Next for KIIT University?
The death of the Nepali student has placed KIIT University in the spotlight, and the coming days may determine how the institution handles its internal crisis. Students, faculty, and parents are watching closely as the investigation unfolds. The university’s next steps in addressing harassment, supporting students, and maintaining trust within the campus community will be crucial for its future.
While some have called for more stringent measures to ensure student safety and well-being, others are focused on ensuring that the truth behind this tragedy is uncovered. “We want justice, and we won’t stop until we get it,” a protestor declared, as the group continued to block the streets near the university.
