NHRC’s strict comment on KIIT University: Nepali is responsible for the student’s suicide

Kiit University in Bhubaneswar came into the limelight when the body of a 20 -year -old Nepali student was found in her hostel room last month. The incident questioned the role of the university administration. Now the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has blamed the university for this suicide. According to the commission, the negligence and insensitive attitude of the institute forced the student to commit suicide.

Student’s suicide and arrest of accused

• The BTech student was found hanging from the fan in the hostel room on the afternoon of 16 February.

• The student accused 21 -year -old ex -boyfriend Advik Srivastava of blackmailing.

• The accused was arrested by the Bhubaneswar police during an attempt to escape from the airport.

• The matter came into discussion internationally, as Nepali students suffered alleged racial comments and harassment after the incident.

NHRC conclusion: University did not take appropriate action

• The NHRC said that the accused had sexually assaulted the victim, yet the university administration did not take any concrete steps on it.

• The Commission termed it a clear violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution, Article 15 (Protection against Differentiation) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Freedom).

• The report said that due to the inaction of the university, the student did not get justice and her dignity was hurt.

Kiit administration’s insensitivity exposed

• The NHRC strongly criticized the university administration, saying that after the incident, 1000-1100 Nepali students were forcibly fired from the hostel.

• Students were forced to leave hostels in a hurry without security, which could have threatened their lives.

• The Commission said, “The university administration had no regrets, which reflects its insensitivity.”

NHRC action on Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences

• The NHRC also accused the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) of exploitation of tribal children and violating human rights.

• In 2017, the Child Welfare Committee report exposed the lack of dirt and basic facilities in the institute.

• The Commission reprimanded the institute on the matter and asked to fix the accountability.