A delegation from the Congress party in New Delhi will visit Odisha to investigate the tragic death of a Nepali student at KIIT Deemed University in Bhubaneswar. The team will also look into the unrest that followed the incident. Party leaders confirmed this on Friday, stating that the issue is a matter of serious concern.
Congress Raises Concern Over Safety of Women
Ajay Kumar Lallu, the Congress party’s Odisha in-charge, announced the delegation’s visit during a press briefing in New Delhi. He emphasized that the matter would be brought up in Parliament. According to Lallu, this incident is part of a larger issue concerning women’s safety in Odisha.
“Women and girls are not safe in Odisha. Reports from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the Chief Minister’s own admission in the Assembly indicate that around 44,000 women, girls, and boys are missing. Where is the home department? Where is the Odisha government? Why has the government remained silent on this matter?” Lallu questioned.
The delegation aims to meet with university officials, law enforcement, and local authorities to gather details about the case. They also plan to speak with the victim’s family and students to understand the situation better.
Nationwide Protests and Demand for Justice
The Congress party’s student wing, NSUI, has already organized large-scale protests against KIIT. Protesters have demanded accountability from the university administration and the government.
Congress workers had earlier surrounded the residence of the Odisha Chief Minister to protest against the handling of the case. Lallu confirmed that more demonstrations are planned across the state in the coming days.
“We will gherao district headquarters across Odisha on March 10. On March 8, International Women’s Day, around 1,000 blindfolded women will protest in front of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO),” he announced.
Lallu also warned of further action if their demands are not met. “If the accused are not brought to justice, we will not hesitate to gherao the Legislative Assembly and even the Parliament,” he asserted.
Political Reactions and Government’s Response
The Odisha government has faced criticism for its silence on the issue. Opposition parties have accused the ruling administration of negligence and failing to ensure the safety of students.
Senior Congress leaders have demanded an impartial investigation and immediate action against those responsible.
Meanwhile, KIIT Deemed University has issued a statement, expressing condolences to the victim’s family. The university has assured full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Officials claim that they are committed to ensuring the safety of students on campus.
Rising Concerns Over Student Safety
This incident has sparked nationwide concern over the safety of students, particularly international students studying in India. Nepalese authorities have also taken note of the issue, urging a fair and transparent investigation.
Experts argue that this case highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to protect students on campuses across India. Student unions and human rights organizations have joined the call for justice, demanding reforms in university security policies.
Call for Action
The Congress party’s involvement has intensified pressure on the Odisha government to act swiftly. Lallu reaffirmed that Congress would continue its fight for justice.
“The government must act before the situation worsens. We will not stop until justice is served,” he said.
As protests grow and political pressure mounts, all eyes are on the Odisha administration’s next move. The outcome of this case will likely have a significant impact on future policies concerning student safety and women’s security.
For further updates on this developing story, visit Nepal Monitor.
