A Tragic Incident and Its Fallout
The death of a Nepali female student at KIIT University on February 16 has sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that the University Grants Commission (UGC) take action against KIIT University and its sister institution, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), for alleged violations of NHRC guidelines related to sexual harassment and gender sensitization. The case highlights concerns over university accountability and student safety on campus.
NHRC’s Findings and Recommendations
The NHRC has directed multiple authorities to take appropriate actions in response to the incident. It has asked the Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to investigate KIIT University’s compliance with UGC and human rights guidelines, particularly regarding anti-ragging measures and the Internal Complaints Committee for sexual harassment cases. Additionally, the Odisha Chief Secretary has been instructed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on alleged negligence by university authorities that may have contributed to the student’s suicide.
The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has also been asked to provide an updated investigation report regarding the student’s death, which was registered at the Infocity Police Station. The NHRC’s Spot Inquiry Team found multiple violations of constitutional rights at KIIT University, particularly in handling complaints of harassment and ensuring access to higher education without fear or discrimination.
Details of the Inquiry Report
The NHRC’s inquiry team visited KIIT University and KISS from March 6 to 8 to investigate the circumstances leading to the student’s tragic death. Their findings revealed that the victim had lodged a complaint on March 12, 2024, with the university’s International Relations Office (IRO). In her complaint, she expressed severe mental distress and threatened suicide if her estranged boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, did not delete objectionable photos of her.
Despite the severity of the complaint, the IRO merely obtained undertakings from both the victim and the accused without referring the matter to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or informing local law enforcement authorities. The NHRC observed that this gross negligence by university officials could amount to abetment of suicide, as their inaction may have contributed to the student’s eventual demise.
Mass Exodus of Students and KIIT’s Response
The NHRC report also highlighted that following the student’s death, between 1,000 and 1,100 students vacated their hostels on February 17, including nearly 180 female students who left in panic. The NHRC criticized KIIT University for its failure to ensure the safety of its students, noting that the administration appeared indifferent to the crisis.
Furthermore, the NHRC condemned the university’s dismissive stance, stating, “Regrettably, the University was unrepentant and even had the audacity to reply that there had been no merit in the allegations. This manifests sheer insensitivity, if not downright arrogance.”
Past Concerns Over KISS and Institutional Oversight
Apart from the current case, the NHRC has raised concerns about past irregularities at KISS. It has directed the Khordha District Collector to submit an ATR regarding the non-compliance of a recommendation made by the Khordha Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on July 6, 2017. The CWC had previously called for a joint inquiry committee to investigate allegations of overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient basic amenities at KISS.
Protests and Allegations of Student Harassment
Following the Nepali student’s suicide, protests erupted among Nepali students demanding justice. However, these protests were reportedly met with verbal abuse, threats, and even physical assault by KIIT University officials and security personnel. The NHRC noted these allegations as part of its broader concern regarding institutional misconduct and student safety.
A Call for Fair Action and Justice
The findings of the NHRC underline serious lapses in KIIT University’s handling of harassment complaints, student welfare, and institutional accountability. The commission’s recommendations seek to ensure that such negligence is addressed and that students are protected from similar incidents in the future.
Justice for the victim and fair action against those responsible are crucial in setting a precedent for student safety and institutional responsibility in India’s higher education sector. As the investigation continues, it remains imperative that universities uphold ethical standards and prioritize the well-being of their students to prevent further tragedies.
(With inputs from agencies)
