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KIIT Nepali Student’s Death by Suicide: Staffers Issue Apology Videos After Backlash Over Controversial Remarks
Spur of the Moment“: KIIT Staff Apologizes to Nepalese Students Over Viral Clip
Following massive outrage on social media, KIIT staff members have issued apology videos regarding their controversial remarks related to the tragic suicide of a Nepalese student. The backlash prompted the institution’s personnel to clarify that their statements were made in the “spur of the moment” and were not intended to be insensitive.
Watch on Twitter : Two staff members of KIIT issued an apology after there was a furore over their comments about Nepal.
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a prestigious institution in Odisha, has been facing intense scrutiny following protests that erupted on campus after the tragic suicide of a Nepali student in her hostel room. The situation escalated further when the university was accused of forcibly evicting a group of Nepali students.
Tensions were heightened after a viral video surfaced showing university staff members engaging in a heated argument with Nepali students. In the footage, a professor identified as Manjusha Pandey is heard stating, “We are feeding and educating over 40,000 students for free.” Another staff member, Jayanti Nath, is also seen making a controversial remark, claiming, “That is equivalent to your country’s budget.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for accountability from the institution.
The KIIT staff members issued apology videos after their remarks sparked widespread outrage on social media.
Ms. Pandey clarified that her statements on the night of February 16 were made “in the spur of the moment.” She emphasized that her views were personal and not reflective of KIIT University. “I want to express that the statements I made are solely my own and have no connection to KIIT University. If any of my words have hurt the sentiments of my Nepali students or the people of Nepal, I sincerely apologize,” she stated.
I want to clarify that all statements I have made are solely my own and are not associated with KIIT University in any way. If any of my statements have hurt the sentiments of my Nepali students or the people of Nepal, I sincerely apologize.
Another staff member seen in the video, Jayanti Nath, also issued an apology, stating that her “intention was never to offend or demean anyone.” She expressed deep regret if her words had unintentionally hurt anyone’s sentiments and clarified that her remarks did not reflect the views of the university or its faculty.
“I am extremely sorry and apologetic for whatever has happened,” Ms. Nath said.
However, she added that her comments were made in response to allegations that labeled India and KIIT as “corrupt and poor.
My words were a response to statements made during the protest, where my country and institution were labeled as corrupt and poor. In that heated exchange, my remarks were meant to defend against these accusations, not to demean Nepal or its people in any way,” she clarified.
Meanwhile, KIIT issued a public apology and announced the removal of two officers from service for making “extremely irresponsible” statements, though their names were not disclosed. “KIIT has always been a home for students from around the world, promoting a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our valued Nepali students,” the institute stated in a post on X.
The Nepali student community has been urged to resume their regular academic activities immediately following recent unrest at a Bhubaneswar-based institute.
The protests erupted on Sunday after 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech (Computer Science) student, tragically died by suicide. Videos circulating on social media showed university security personnel and staff using force and verbally abusing students who were demanding justice for Lamsal.
Authorities have since arrested two security guards, identified as Ramakanta Nayak (45) and Jogendra Behera (25). A criminal case has been registered against them under multiple sections of the BNS, including Section 126(2) for wrongful restraint, Section 296 for obscene acts, Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt, and Section 3(5) for joint criminal liability.
Some students alleged that they were forcibly evicted from the campus. However, KIIT clarified that Nepali students were “advised to return to their respective places” after certain protestors continued to disrupt order, posing a challenge to campus security.
The incident has also gained international attention, prompting Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to comment that his government is addressing the issue through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Nepal has assured a thorough investigation into the matter.
In Odisha, the tragedy has sparked a political controversy. The Congress party has demanded a judicial inquiry and the arrest of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta. The ruling BJD has blamed the incident on the deteriorating law and order situation under the BJP-led government in the state.
In response, the Odisha government has formed a high-level three-member fact-finding committee, led by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), to investigate the matter further.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Localtak staff.
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