KIIT University suicide case: VC issues apology as tension grips campus

KIIT University

In an effort to normalise the situation, Vice Chancellor of KIIT University, Professor Saranjit Singh on Tuesday issued an apology as protests continued at the varsity after a third-year BTech student from Nepal was found dead in her hostel room.

The Nepalese government has since then interfered in the matter and PM KP Sharma Oli has also spoken on the issue. Here’s a breakdown of the events that will give you an idea as to what exactly led to the commotion at the KIIT University.

In his letter of apology, Singh stated: "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."

Following the incident, KIIT University established a 24/7 control room at Campus 6 to assist Nepali students returning to the university. The suicide of the third-year Nepali student has caused unrest among over 500 Nepali students on campus, with tensions escalating when university authorities attempted to evict them.

Reports claim university officials made racially insensitive remarks during protests, with one allegedly comparing KIIT’s spending on students to Nepal’s national budget, a statement reportedly captured on video.

Several posts have surfaced on social media claiming that the third-year student was being harassed by her ex-boyfriend. Her cousin too filed a complaint saying she was being blackmailed by a male student at the university, which led her to hang herself.

A statement issued by the KIIT also made similar claims. "A Nepali student studying in the third year of B-Tech committed suicide in the hostel yesterday. It is suspected that the student was in a love affair with another student studying at KIIT. It is suspected that the student may have committed suicide due to some reason," said the statement.