Odisha: KIIT Unrest Under Control but Some Things Need Relook, Says Achuyta Samanta

Almost a week has passed since a well-known educational institution in Odisha has been in the news for the wrong reasons. The incident related to an alleged rape within the campus of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), which subsequently led to the allegedly dying by suicide, leading to widespread outrage and protests. A high-level probe has been instituted by the state government.

The victim was from Nepal and the alleged accused student, who is now in jail, hails from Uttar Pradesh. The accused was apprehended by the police from Bhubaneswar airport he was trying to leave the city.

The victim was pursuing her studies along with over 500 boys and girls from Nepal. Her death enraged her compatriots who came out in agitation, demanding the arrest of the alleged perpetrator of the crime.

The protest snowballed into a controversy when the KIIT authorities us took a step to ensure “forced eviction” by packing off the protesting students from the neighbouring country on buses to Cuttack.     

However, realising that such a step was taken “impulsively”, the students were brought back to the campus and have resumed their studies.

Apart from creating a diplomatic embarrassment, the embers of the student unrest have still not died down because of non-stop reportage by certain media houses.

KIIT founder, Achyuta Samanta, who is reportedly “disturbed” by the situation, has so far not addressed the media.

However, he agreed to talk exclusively to this reporter and answer a few questions.

DN Singh: What is going on in your mind after the incident?

Achyuta Samanta: I am greatly disturbed by the incident and I am more disturbed by the ramifications even after things have become normal and students have resumed their studies.

DNS: How do you perceive the role of the media?

AS: The media has every right to report, that is their job. But certain reports are based on conjectures and are bereft of facts that are further fuelling the pain.

DNS: Don’t you think you need to counsel students besides following the regular curriculum?

AS: Yes, there is need for moral counselling. We will do that surely.

DNS: What about keeping a strict vigil?

AS: Although it is difficult to keep an eye on each student among the total numbering over 40,000 in KIIT itself, yet that now appears to be a pressing need.

DNS: Whom do you hold responsible for all that happened?

AS: It is destiny and I am deeply hurt.

Meanwhile, a three-member committee appointed by the government of Odisha is investigating the issue to fix responsibilities.

The writer is a freelancer based in Odisha.