The Odisha Police on March 19, 2025, registered a significant case against Achyuta Samanta, the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), over serious allegations of land trespass. The charges stem from a complaint by Banshidhar Behera, a 60-year-old resident whose property borders the institute's facilities. This legal scrutiny of Samanta comes amidst heightened tensions at the institution following the tragic death of a Nepalese student, which had already ignited protests within the community.
The case against Samanta was opened at the Infocity police station in Bhubaneswar, with allegations including encroachment on Behera's land, digging unauthorized tanks, and even the improper disposal of medical waste on the complainant's property. According to the FIR filed by Behera, KISS authorities, allegedly at Samanta's behest, dug a large tank on his land, removed soil, and used the space for dumping debris, including medical waste.
Details from Behera's complaint painted a vivid picture of the offenses. He claimed that the KISS contractors trespassed onto his land, dumping approximately 500 truckloads of sand, stone chips, and bamboo without consent. Furthermore, Behera stated that when they attempted to prevent this encroachment by erecting a barbed-wire fence, it was subsequently torn down by unidentified individuals, which he attributed to the actions of the KIIT authorities.
The police report lists that Samanta has been charged with multiple offenses under the BNS Code, including sections for common intention, theft, mischief, criminal trespass, and intimidation. A senior police officer confirmed that they are in the process of investigating these allegations, and both the complainant and suspects, including Samanta, are scheduled to have their statements recorded. "We registered a case against the KISS founder Achyuta Samanta and others. Investigation has started to verify the allegations," the officer stated.
Responding to the accusations, KISS spokesperson Sradhanjali Nayak strongly refuted the claims against Samanta and the institute. In a public statement, Nayak asserted, "The charges are not based on facts. Those are completely false, malicious, and motivated." This strong denial highlights the contentious nature of the situation, as the community awaits results from the ongoing police investigation.
This legal action comes only weeks after a harrowing incident that shocked the KIIT campus community—the suicide of a 20-year-old Nepalese student, who was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025. This tragic event intensified scrutiny on the institute as protests erupted, with students advocating for better mental health support and campus safety measures.
The protest movements were aimed at pressing the administration for systemic changes following the student's death, which left many students distraught and angry. The combination of these protests with the looming legal case against Samanta creates a highly charged atmosphere at KIIT.
As the police investigation continues, the fate of Achyuta Samanta and his institutions hangs in the balance, underscoring serious implications for both the local community and the broader perception of educational institutions in India. As investigations unfold, the stories of Behera and the deceased student serve as reminders of the pressing issues of land rights, institutional responsibility, and the mental well-being of students.
This incident reflects broader concerns within Indian society regarding educational institutions' accountability, particularly in situations involving harassment and mental health. Stakeholders from all sides—including students, faculty, and local residents—are calling for transparency and justice. The repercussions of these events are sure to resonate widely, with reports indicating that community organizations are rallying support for those affected by the alleged mishaps at KIIT and KISS.
