Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Feb 24: The Odisha government has directed KIIT authorities to take strict action against employees involved in the mistreatment of Nepalese students, following the recent suicide of a Nepalese girl in her hostel room, an official confirmed.

The move comes after Nepal’s foreign minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba spoke to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, demanding the removal of staff members who allegedly harassed Nepalese students.

Tensions escalated after students protesting the death of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal faced assault and forced eviction by KIIT staff. Several were abandoned at a railway station without tickets.

The police, after reviewing CCTV footage, have arrested 10 KIIT employees, including senior officials and security guards, on charges of assaulting students. KIIT has since terminated two security staff and suspended three senior officials pending an inquiry.

Despite assurances from authorities, many of the 1,000 Nepalese students at KIIT have yet to return to campus, citing fear of reprisal. The Odisha government has assured swift action to restore their confidence.