Bhubaneswar: Achyuta Samanta, the founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), appeared before a high-level committee set up by the Odisha government on Friday. The committee is investigating the tragic suicide of a 20-year-old Nepali student in August and the subsequent violence that led to diplomatic tensions between India and Nepal.

The crisis began on August 16 when the body of a computer science student was discovered in her hostel room. Reports suggested she had been blackmailed by a classmate, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering student from Lucknow. The situation escalated when over 800 Nepali students were forcibly removed from the campus, allegedly assaulted by university officials, and subjected to racial abuse.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has since reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of international students. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death and stated that the Indian government has been in regular communication with the Odisha administration and KIIT authorities.

During Friday’s proceedings, the probe committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, questioned Samanta and other KIIT staff about their handling of the situation. They were asked why only Nepali students were instructed to vacate the hostel and why the university failed to act on the deceased student’s harassment complaint for over a month. Allegations of racial abuse were also scrutinized.

The issue sparked a heated debate in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, with opposition leaders demanding strict action against Samanta and university officials. Congress MLA Tara Bahinipati called for a judicial inquiry and questioned why Samanta had not been arrested. BJP legislator Babu Singh raised concerns over Samanta’s wealth accumulation, while BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo stressed that the law must take its course.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the incidents as “highly condemnable” and “barbaric.” He revealed that he had spoken to Nepalese Foreign Minister Arku Rana Deuba, assuring him of the Odisha government’s efforts. Helpline numbers have been set up to support Nepali students and encourage them to return to campus.

As the investigation continues, pressure mounts on KIIT to address the allegations and prevent further diplomatic fallout.