Bhubaneswar, March 28: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that the University Grants Commission (UGC) take action against Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and its sister institution, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), following the alleged suicide of a Nepali female student on February 16.

The NHRC has also directed the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) chairman to probe KIIT University’s compliance with UGC regulations and human rights policies, including anti-ragging measures and the Internal Complaint Committee for workplace sexual harassment. An Action Taken Report (ATR) has been requested from both UGC and NAAC.
The commission’s order raised concerns over KIIT and KISS failing to ensure student safety, questioning why these factors should not be considered in NAAC’s accreditation process. The NHRC emphasized that institutions must adhere to UGC guidelines on human rights, including affirmative and non-discriminatory measures.

Additionally, the Odisha Chief Secretary has been directed to submit an ATR on KIIT’s alleged negligence leading to the student’s suicide. The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has also been asked to provide an updated investigation report on the case.

The victim, a Nepali student at KIIT, had reportedly faced harassment from her ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava. Allegations suggest that KIIT’s International Relations Office (IRO) ignored her complaints, ultimately leading to her tragic death. Protests by Nepali students demanding justice were allegedly met with threats and assault by KIIT officials and security personnel.

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