The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneshwar on Wednesday issued an apology over its handling of the death of an engineering student from Nepal and the subsequent protests on the campus.
"KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our dear Nepali students," KIIT said in a statement.
KIIT also said that disciplinary action has been initiated against security staff and officials in connection with the death of an engineering student from Nepal.
Tensions have been boiling at KIIT since Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student from Nepal, died of suicide on February 16.
The cousin of the deceased student alleged that she hanged herself in her hostel room after being blackmailed by a classmate.
Following her death, other students from Nepal had alleged harassment, and KIIT officials responded to the protests by stating that it was "closed sine die for all international students from Nepal" and directed them to vacate the university campus.
The overzealous actions by the KIIT authorities have also become a diplomatic headache for India, as Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli himself took up the matter.
As the fallout continues, KIIT said a 24/7 control room has been set up to assist students to return.
"A dedicated control room is operational 24 x 7 at KIIT campus 6 to facilitate the return of Nepali students to the KIIT campus...For our staff, we recognise that certain comments were in the heat of the moment and we apologise for any distress caused. We prioritise the safety and well-being of our students above all," KIIT said.
Meanwhile, Advik Srivastava, a 21-year-old from Lucknow, has been arrested in connection with the student's death.
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