Police nab prime accused, guards suspended, university furnishes apology – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 18

In the wake of the alleged suicide of a Nepali student, Prkariti Lamsal, at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), and the subsequent demonstration, police have arrested the main accused, Advik Shrivastava, while the institute’s security guards who manhandled the Nepali students and two other officials have been suspended.

As per ANI report, Suresh Dev Datta Singh, a Bhubaneswar-Cuttack police officer, confirmed that an Indian student had been harassing the Nepali girl.

According to him, after initial investigations, the suspect was apprehended and action was taken.

He also stated that police officers have been stationed at the educational facility to maintain peace and security.

KIIT issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing deep regret for the incident and announcing that two security guards had been relieved of their duties.

Two security guards, Ramakanta Nayak, 45 and Jogendra Behera, 25, were accused of arresting Nepali students.

KIIT University Vice-Chancellor Saranjit Singh apologised on Tuesday for the unfortunate incidents that occurred at the university following the suicide of a B.Tech girl student from Nepal.

In an apology letter, the KIIT Vice Chancellor stated: “We are extremely appalled by the unfortunate incident that occurred on our campus on the evening of February 16.”

He expressed regret for how some KIIT staff members dealt with the agitated students, saying, “We love our students and have never done them any harm.”

The Vice-Chancellor also stated that the remarks made by two officers were completely irresponsible. He acknowledged that, while the comments were made in their capacity and in the heat of the moment, the university does not support them.

Singh also stated that the university had removed the two officers from service, and that they had apologised for their actions.

Meanwhile, in a video posted on social media by ANI on Tuesday afternoon, the girl’s father expressed hope that justice would be served after the investigation.

He claimed police had informed him that his daughter had been found tortured and harassed to death by an Indian youth prior to her death. “Our only demand is to ensure justice,” he said. He also stated that the accused is responsible for her daughter’s death.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued a statement stating that the state government of Odisha has taken cognizance of the situation and is taking action against the wrongdoers.

“The Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneswar has informed that a criminal case has been registered against the accused student, and he has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Odisha Police has also taken cognisance of the manhandling of students by KIIT security personnel, arrested them and registered a criminal case. Odisha Police has assured an objective, impartial and just investigation in the cases,” reads the statement.

It further said that the state government of Odisha has placed KIIT under notice and constituted a High-Level Fact-Finding Committee under the Additional Chief Secretary Home Department. Appropriate legal and administrative action shall be taken based on the findings of the High Level Committee. Reports of misconduct against students are also being investigated, and those responsible will be held accountable as per law.

Odisha Police has also shared a 24 x 7 helpline number +91-8280338301 that Nepali students in need of assistance may contact.

“The government of Odisha has conveyed its commitment to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all students, including Nepali students and that it will take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served swiftly and fairly,” reads the statement.