It's Time to FaceOff KIIT University

The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University is under renewed scrutiny following the tragic death of third-year B.Tech student Arnab Mukherjee, whose body was found near an under-construction building in Bhubaneswar’s Mancheswar area. The incident, reported on Tuesday, comes just six weeks after the death of another student, raising fresh concerns over student safety and institutional responsibility.

Arnab’s family arrived in Bhubaneswar late Tuesday to identify his body. His father, Jagdish Mukherjee, shared that Arnab had requested ₹200 via UPI the previous night but had not responded to calls afterward. The family was informed of his death by the police, who are now investigating the circumstances that led him far from his hostel.

This tragedy follows the February 16, 2025 death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year Nepali B.Tech student, whose case had already sparked public outrage. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held KIIT responsible for administrative negligence in Lamsal’s case and directed the Odisha Chief Secretary to submit an action taken report.

Arnab’s death has reignited questions: What led him to Mancheswar? Was foul play involved? What role does the university administration play in student safety? As of now, KIIT has not issued an official statement on the incident.

Mancheswar Police have launched a formal probe. Inspector-in-Charge Mrutunjay Swain confirmed the post-mortem is pending and that multiple angles—accident, suicide, or foul play—are being explored. CCTV footage, call records, and hostelmate accounts are under review.

Meanwhile, KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta faces growing pressure. Though credited for the institution’s rise, these repeated student deaths have cast a shadow over his leadership, prompting demands for greater transparency and accountability.

With investigations ongoing, authorities must enforce stronger security protocols, improve mental health services, and ensure student welfare is prioritized to prevent further tragedies and restore trust in the university.