Odisha Govt Summons KIIT Founder Achyuta Samanta for Probe into Nepali Student’s Suicide

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed KIIT and KISS founder Achyuta Samanta to appear before a high-level committee investigating the suicide of a Nepali student and the subsequent actions taken by the university against protesting students.

The Higher Education Department issued a formal notice to Samanta, asking him to provide evidence before the committee as part of the ongoing inquiry. The department’s letter stated that the committee had decided to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the university’s handling of the situation.

“Hence, you are requested to appear before the High-Level Committee on February 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Mini Conference Hall, New Annexe Building, State Guest House, Bhubaneswar, and to adduce evidence with adequate documentary proof before the committee,” the letter read.

The incident has sparked widespread discussions regarding student safety and institutional accountability, with protests erupting on the KIIT campus demanding justice for the deceased student. The committee is expected to examine various aspects of the case, including the university’s response to the tragedy and the treatment of students who voiced their concerns.