KIIT officials appear before probe panel investigating Nepali student’s death

Bhubaneswar, Feb 27: Six more officials from KIIT University appeared before the high-level inquiry committee investigating the tragic death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal and the subsequent unrest on campus.

Among those who deposed before the committee on Thursday at 10:30 AM at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar were Chief Proctor PK Pattnaik, Senior Hostel Superintendent Sanhita Mishra, and Assistant Director Smarika Pati. Additionally, IC Head Ipsita Satapathy, Administrative Officer Sidharth Ray, and one more official also recorded their statements.

The Odisha Higher Education Department had earlier issued notices to these officials, asking them to appear before the fact-finding committee. This follows the two-and-a-half-hour questioning of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta. Previously, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and two suspended female staff members had also testified.

Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, allegedly due to harassment and blackmailing by her ex-boyfriend. The committee, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Odisha Home Department, continues its investigation.