Synopsis
In response to the tragic suicide of a Nepali student at KIIT, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured Nepal's Foreign Minister of strict action against the responsible parties. The dialogue emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and the safety of all students.Key Takeaways
- Odisha CM assures action post-KIIT incident.
- Call with Nepal Foreign Minister highlights concerns.
- Investigation into Prakriti Lamsal's death is crucial.
- Efforts to restore student safety and trust.
- 10 arrests made related to the incident.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 (NationPress) Following the unfortunate event concerning the suicide of a Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi engaged in a phone dialogue with Nepal's Foreign Minister, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, promising decisive action against those accountable.
This conversation was prompted by reports indicating that the college administration had instructed Nepali students to vacate the hostel post-incident.
During their discussion, Dr Deuba insisted on a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of the student, named Prakriti Lamsal, and requested that the Odisha government ensure justice is served.
In reply, CM Majhi reiterated the state government's dedication to protecting the welfare of all students.
"Nepali students are akin to our own children. They deserve to study here with complete dignity and security," Majhi declared, adding that the government is vigilantly observing the situation and implementing necessary steps to restore trust among students.
Following the call, senior representatives from the Nepal Embassy, Naveen Raj Adhikari and Sanjeev Sharma Das, met with the Chief Minister at Lok Seva Bhavan for further discussions.
During this meeting, CM Majhi informed the officials that 10 individuals had been apprehended concerning the incident. He assured them that rigorous legal action would be enforced against all who are found culpable. He also noted that the government is taking measures to reestablish a safe and supportive educational atmosphere at KIIT.
The Nepalese officials conveyed their contentment with the prompt response from the Odisha government, stating that it had provided essential reassurance to both Nepali students and their families.
"The connection between Nepal and Odisha is profound and historic, and we are optimistic that this relationship will continue to be robust," they commented.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Nikunj Bihari Dhal.
The deceased, Prakriti, was a third-year B. Tech (Computer Science) student from Nepal, discovered dead in her hostel room on February 16. Although the police initially classified the case as a suicide, the circumstances surrounding her demise ignited protests on campus.
In the wake of the incident, numerous Nepali students exited the KIIT campus. However, in recent days, over 150 students have returned, many re-entering India via the Raxaul border in Bihar.
Currently, approximately 1,000 Nepali students are enrolled at KIIT.
