National

NHRC Orders On-Site Investigation into Death of Nepalese Student at Odisha’s KIIT University

Published

11 months ago

March 4, 2025

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated a high-level investigation into the tragic death of a Nepalese student and the subsequent eviction of Nepalese students from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar. This action follows a petition submitted by local resident Ashutosh B and was announced by the commission on Monday.

“The Commission has instructed the Director General of Investigation to deploy a team of officers from both the Investigation and Law Divisions of the Commission to carry out an on-site inquiry at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, under the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. They are to submit their investigation report to the Commission by March 10, 2025,” the order stated.

“Given the gravity of the situation, the Commission also ordered the Registrar (Law) to initiate an inquiry at KIIT University, in conjunction with a team comprising two officers from the Investigation Division, one of whom must hold the rank of SSP, and an officer from the Law Division. Their report is also due by March 10, 2025,” it added.

The petitioner alleged that a Nepali student at KIIT faced harassment from her ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava. The complaints made to the university’s International Relations Office (IRO) were reportedly dismissed, which the petitioner claims contributed to her tragic suicide, as outlined in the order.

Protests by Nepalese students seeking justice were reportedly met with verbal abuse, threats, and physical confrontations from KIIT officials and security personnel. Furthermore, the complainant accused both KIIT and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) of exploiting tribal children, violating their human rights, and engaging in illegal land acquisitions. A 2017 report by the Child Welfare Committee highlighted poor living conditions at KISS, indicating overcrowding, unsanitary facilities, and a lack of basic necessities.

The complainant requested that action be taken against KIIT officials, including founder Achyuta Samanta, for their failure to address the harassment complaints and their alleged roles in exploiting tribal students, as per the NHRC order released on the commission’s website.

KIIT is considered one of India’s leading private universities, hosting approximately 2,000 foreign students from 65 different countries, with a significant portion hailing from Nepal. The university has a total enrollment of around 40,000 students, including international students. Previously, allegations were made against the institution for the appropriation of a 12-acre government land plot.

The incident gained widespread attention when a 20-year-old engineering student from Nepal was found deceased in her hostel room on February 16, sparking significant unrest among the student body. Disturbing images of Nepalese students being forcibly removed from university accommodations and manhandled circulated widely on social media, prompting outrage from various parties, including Nepal’s Prime Minister and diplomats.

In response to the situation, the Odisha Government established a high-level fact-finding committee to investigate the incident, labeling it as ‘most unfortunate.’ The government inquiry into the events at KIIT is ongoing, and its findings are yet to be disclosed.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

1 week ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.