Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Saranjit Singh issued an apology on Tuesday, February 18, for the mistreatment of Nepali students following the alleged death by suicide of a Nepali student.
In a letter of apology , Singh stated, “...The comments made by two of our officers are extremely irresponsible. Although the comments are made on their personal capacity on the spur of the moment, we do not support their action. We have removed them from service. They too have apologized for their behaviour. We too apologize for all that has happened and hereby tender our love and affection to all the students and people of Nepal….”
Singh also urged Nepali students to resume their regular academic activities immediately.
Earlier in the day, the university announced the termination of two security personnel and the suspension of three senior officials.
“Two security staff members were terminated immediately,” the university’s statement read. “Additionally, two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office (IRO) have been suspended pending thorough inquiry.”
Read: Outrage in Nepal, India Over Nepali Student’s Suspicious Death and KIIT’s Response to Protests
The controversy erupted after the suspicious death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student, in her hostel room on Sunday. Protesting students claimed that Lamsal had faced harassment from her ex-boyfriend and had previously lodged complaints with the college authorities, which they claimed were ignored.
The university faced further backlash after security personnel forcibly evicted Nepali students from campus, prompting widespread outrage in both Nepal and India. Amid mounting criticism, KIIT reversed its decision on Monday evening and appealed students to return.
Meanwhile, many social media users condemned the delayed response.
“This should have been so much earlier not after this much backlash. Faculty shouting nonsense, Security guards beating students what kind of things are going on in the Campus? After 2 days you coming out with this letter isn't boasting any confidence at all. Damage is all done,” one user wrote on X .
