A Tragic Incident Unfolds
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University is once again in the spotlight following the mysterious death of a third-year B. Tech student, Arnab Mukherjee. His body was discovered near an under-construction building in the Mancheswar area of Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The incident, occurring just a month and a half after the death of another KIIT student, has amplified growing concerns about student safety and institutional responsibility.
Arnab’s family arrived in Bhubaneswar late Tuesday to identify his body, facilitated by officials from Mancheswar Police Station. His father, Jagdish Mukherjee, recounted his last interaction with his son, revealing that Arnab had requested Rs 200 from his mother via UPI on Monday night but had not responded to calls afterward. It was only after being contacted by the police that the family learned of their son’s tragic demise.
A Series of Unexplained Deaths
This incident follows the death of another KIIT student, a Nepali national, on February 16, 2025. The death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B. Tech Computer Science student, had already sparked protests and drawn national attention to issues concerning student welfare and institutional accountability. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had held KIIT University responsible for Lamsal’s death, citing negligence by the administration. The NHRC had also directed Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja to submit an action taken report within four weeks.
With Arnab Mukherjee’s death, questions surrounding student safety at KIIT have resurfaced. Authorities are now under pressure to address concerns about security and institutional oversight to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The Investigation So Far
Mancheswar police have launched a formal investigation into the incident. The circumstances leading to Arnab’s presence in the Mancheswar area, far from his university hostel, remain unclear. Officials are examining multiple angles, including the possibility of foul play, suicide, or an accident.
“We had called the parents of the deceased for identification of the body. They have identified the body. A post-mortem will be conducted, and only after the investigation is completed will we be able to determine the exact cause of death,” said Mrutunjay Swain, Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Mancheswar Police Station.
Authorities have begun reviewing CCTV footage, questioning hostel mates, and analyzing call records to gather more details. However, as of now, no official statement has been released by KIIT University regarding Arnab’s death.
Unanswered Questions and Rising Concerns
Several critical questions remain unanswered:
· Why did Arnab leave his hostel and travel to Mancheswar?
· Was there any external influence or coercion involved?
· What role, if any, did the university administration play in ensuring student safety?
· How does KIIT plan to address the growing concerns regarding student welfare?
Given the history of recent student deaths, these questions have heightened scrutiny on the university’s security protocols and overall campus environment.
Founder Achyuta Samanta’s Rising Challenges
KIIT University’s founder, Achyuta Samanta, is facing increasing pressure as concerns over student safety mount. While Samanta has been credited with transforming KIIT into a premier institution, these recent incidents have put his leadership under the scanner.
Following Prakriti Lamsal’s death, allegations of negligence and administrative failure surfaced, prompting state and national authorities to intervene. The NHRC’s findings indicated that the university’s disciplinary committee and administration failed to provide adequate safeguards for students. If similar lapses are found in Arnab Mukherjee’s case, it could further tarnish the institution’s reputation.
With calls for stricter oversight and accountability growing louder, Samanta and the university administration must take immediate corrective measures to rebuild trust and ensure the safety of their students.
The Need for Institutional Accountability
The deaths of two students within a short span have raised serious concerns about student safety at KIIT University. While the investigation into Arnab Mukherjee’s death is ongoing, the institution must take proactive steps to reassure students and parents.
Authorities must implement stricter security measures, enhance student counselling services, and establish transparent communication channels to prevent further tragedies. With the NHRC already scrutinizing KIIT’s handling of the previous case, any further negligence could have severe legal and reputational consequences for the university.
As the police continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that necessary measures are taken to protect students from future risks. Only time will tell whether these incidents will serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform at KIIT University.
(With inputs from agencies)
