Another Student Death at KIIT University Raises Concerns
A first-year student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday night. This marks the third such incident this year, raising concerns about student well-being at the institution.
Details of the Incident
The deceased has been identified as Rahul Yadav, a resident of Raigad, Chhattisgarh, who was studying computer science engineering. According to police sources, authorities were alerted late Sunday night after Yadav's room remained locked for an extended period.
- The room was locked from the inside.
- Police officials opened the room under videography.
- Yadav was pronounced dead at KIMS Hospital.
Investigation Underway
The Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar have registered a case of unnatural death and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. A scientific officer has visited the scene, and investigators have seized Yadav's phone and laptop. The room has been sealed pending the arrival of his parents.
University and Police Response
Senior police officers are interviewing Yadav's hostel mates and are in communication with university authorities. Bhubaneswar police have deployed a platoon force to maintain order on the campus. The university has stated that they will be issuing a statement soon.
UGC Scrutiny
This incident follows previous scrutiny from the University Grants Commission (UGC). In July, the UGC requested KIIT University to explain why disciplinary or legal action should not be taken against them following the deaths of two students from Nepal earlier this year. A UGC fact-finding committee investigating those deaths concluded that "illegal and unlawful activity by the university" contributed to one of the deaths and suggested the KIIT administration's actions "amount to criminal liability." The previous incidents occurred on February 16 and May 1.
