A Tragic Student Death Sparks Scrutiny
The death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B. Tech student at KIIT University, has ignited widespread outrage, leading to serious allegations against the institution’s founder, former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta. The student’s alleged suicide inside the university hostel on February 16 triggered protests over the administration’s handling of the case. A high-level inquiry committee was formed to investigate the incident, with Samanta being questioned for over two hours by state authorities.
As scrutiny intensified, a new controversy emerged—claims of illegal land encroachment by KIIT University. Allegations surfaced that the institution had unlawfully modified public property, leading to renewed calls for accountability.
KIIT Clears Encroachments Amid Eviction Fears
Amid growing legal pressure, KIIT University took sudden action on Thursday, dismantling a floral roundabout and removing decorative structures from a public road leading to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Sources revealed that the university also transported away flowerbeds and removed streetlights positioned in front of Campus-6’s main gate. On-site staff, when questioned, confirmed that the removals were carried out under instructions from the university authorities.
This abrupt action has fueled speculation that KIIT is bracing for an impending eviction drive after reports surfaced accusing it of encroaching on a public road and disguising it as its private entrance.
Allegations Against Achyuta Samanta: Illegal Land Acquisition Claims
The university’s Campus-6 gate was allegedly constructed on a stretch of road originally owned by the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO). The same road provides access to NIFT, yet modifications had made it appear as an exclusive part of KIIT’s premises.
Reports suggest that IDCO had issued multiple notices to KIIT, demanding the removal of these unauthorized structures and declaring the area a ‘No Parking’ zone. However, these directives were allegedly ignored—raising concerns about Samanta’s influence during his tenure as a BJD MP.
As student protests gained momentum in the wake of Prakriti Lamsal’s death, Samanta has faced intensified scrutiny, with accusations ranging from administrative negligence to land-grabbing. The timing of these revelations, coinciding with the high-profile investigation into the student’s death, has only added to the controversy.
High-Level Investigation and Legal Proceedings
A three-member state inquiry committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, has been tasked with examining multiple aspects of KIIT’s conduct. The inquiry covers:
· The circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the alleged mishandling by the administration.
· The university’s high-handed approach in suspending students and temporarily shutting down the campus.
· The legitimacy of KIIT’s land acquisitions and allegations of illegal construction despite court restrictions.
Last week, Samanta was interrogated for over two hours at the State Guest House, marking a significant development in the probe. As investigations continue, legal experts suggest that any proven violations could lead to stringent actions, including eviction and criminal proceedings.
What Lies Ahead?
With mounting pressure from both the public and government authorities, the fate of KIIT University’s alleged encroachments now rests on legal scrutiny. If found guilty of unlawful land acquisition, KIIT may face large-scale eviction, reshaping its campus boundaries. Moreover, Achyuta Samanta’s role in both the student’s death probe and the land controversy will likely determine his political and legal standing in the months to come.
As the law takes its course, the unfolding developments will set a precedent for institutional accountability in India. Whether justice is served and corrective actions are enforced remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on the ongoing investigations and the government’s next steps in ensuring transparency and justice.
(With inputs from agencies)
