Achyuta Samanta, the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), is at the center of a storm following the death of a Nepalese student. The incident has led to strong reactions and even a diplomatic crisis between India and Nepal. Samanta, once known for his work in education, is now facing serious accusations. The death of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal has raised many questions about how the university handles its students.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
On February 16, Prakriti Lamsal, a student from Kathmandu, was found dead in her hostel room at KIIT. Police reported that it was a suicide. However, the situation quickly escalated when a fellow student, Advik Srivastava, was arrested. He is accused of encouraging Lamsal to take her life. Matters grew worse when KIIT allegedly asked Nepalese students to leave their hostels. Some students also claimed they were physically assaulted by university officials.
This incident has not only caused shock among the students but also led to protests and a diplomatic row. Nepalese officials have expressed concern over the treatment of their students, and political leaders in both countries are calling for action.
Samanta’s Rise to Fame
Achyuta Samanta’s rise in the field of education is a remarkable story. He started KIIT in the early 1990s with just Rs 5,000 and 12 students. Samanta’s dream was to create an institution that could provide quality education to those who couldn’t afford it. Over time, KIIT grew into one of the largest private universities in India. Today, it offers a wide range of courses and hosts students from across the globe.
In addition to KIIT, Samanta also founded Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in 1993. KISS has provided free education and residential facilities to over 20,000 tribal children. This work earned Samanta the title of a “social reformer” and garnered him national and international recognition.
The Political Side of Samanta
In 2018, Samanta entered the political world by joining the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the ruling party in Odisha. He was appointed to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s parliament. In 2019, he contested and won a Lok Sabha seat from Kandhamal, a region where many of the students of KISS come from. However, in 2024, Samanta lost his seat by over 21,000 votes. He announced his retirement from politics soon after.
Samanta’s political connections have raised some concerns. Critics argue that his success was aided by his close ties with the BJD government. In the past, he faced accusations of using political influence to expand his educational empire. A 2012 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) claimed that KIIT had received undue benefits worth Rs 66.25 crore from the state government.
The Fallout from Lamsal’s Death
The events surrounding Prakriti Lamsal’s death have put Samanta in a difficult position. As protests broke out on the KIIT campus, political leaders demanded accountability. Congress leader Taraprasad Bahinipati called for Samanta’s arrest, accusing him of being involved in the mishandling of the situation. Several BJP leaders have also criticized Samanta, saying that his political influence helped him expand his empire.
The Odisha government has promised to investigate the incident thoroughly. BJD MLA Souvik Biswal stated that anyone found guilty should be punished according to the law. However, the crisis has already caused significant damage to Samanta’s reputation.
KIIT’s Role in the Controversy
The controversy surrounding KIIT highlights the challenges that private institutions face when managing large numbers of students. With over 40,000 students, including 2,000 international students, KIIT is one of the largest private universities in India. However, the recent events have raised questions about how the university handles student welfare.
Many students, particularly those from Nepal, have voiced their concerns about how the incident was handled. There are also reports of some students being mistreated by university staff. This has led to calls for a more transparent and accountable management system at KIIT.
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal has opened up a broader discussion about the role of private educational institutions in India. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how Samanta and KIIT will respond to the growing calls for justice. What happens next could have lasting implications for the future of KIIT and Samanta’s legacy.
For more news updates on this developing story, visit Nepal Monitor.
