The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has caused shockwaves on campus and led to widespread protests among the Nepali student community. The incident, which occurred on February 16, 2025, has raised concerns about student safety and the university’s handling of harassment cases, with protests prompting intervention from Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Prakriti Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room, with initial reports suggesting suicide. The university stated that her death might have been related to a “love affair,” but Prakriti’s cousin voiced suspicions that she had been blackmailed by a fellow student, Advik Srivastava. Reports indicate that an audio clip, allegedly featuring Advik verbally abusing Prakriti, went viral, adding fuel to the growing outrage among Nepali students.
Advik Srivastava has since been arrested on charges of abetment to suicide, and the police have launched a thorough investigation into the case. However, many students believe that the university had prior knowledge of Prakriti’s harassment. Allegedly, she had reported the abuse to the International Relations Office but did not receive adequate support. This perceived lack of action by the university authorities has further escalated tensions, leading to protests on campus.
Protests by Nepali Students
In the wake of Prakriti’s death, Nepali students at KIIT organized protests demanding justice and accountability from the university administration. They accused KIIT officials of negligence in addressing Prakriti’s complaints and demanded a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Many students also expressed concerns about their own safety, stating that the university’s failure to protect Prakriti reflects a larger issue of inadequate support for international students.
Amid rising tensions, KIIT issued an order directing all international students from Nepal to vacate the campus. This decision was met with widespread anger, as students claimed they were forced to leave without sufficient time to make proper arrangements. Some students were reportedly dropped off at the Cuttack Railway Station without tickets or financial support, leaving them stranded and distressed.
Nepali Government’s Intervention
The protests and eviction of Nepali students caught the attention of Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, who learned about the incident through social media and news outlets. In response, PM Oli dispatched two officials from the Nepali embassy in New Delhi to counsel the affected students and provide assistance. The officials were tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of the students, while the Nepali government worked to resolve the situation.
The Nepali government also facilitated arrangements for students who wished to return home, while others were given the option to remain in their hostels if they felt safer staying on campus. The intervention by the Nepali government helped to ease some of the tension, as students were provided with clearer communication about their options.
University’s Revised Stance
Shortly after the initial order to vacate, KIIT University reversed its decision and appealed to Nepali students to return to campus and resume their classes. In an official statement, the university administration explained that the evacuation order was issued as a precautionary measure to prevent further unrest, but they reassured the students that their safety was a priority.
However, many students remained skeptical, questioning the university’s motives and its handling of the situation from the beginning. Despite the administration’s efforts to calm the situation, the protests highlighted the underlying issues of harassment, neglect, and the lack of mental health support available to students facing difficult situations.
Calls for Justice and Systemic Change
Prakriti Lamsal’s tragic death has brought the issue of student safety and harassment to the forefront. Students and activists are calling for systemic changes to prevent future incidents, including stronger policies against harassment, better mental health support, and more accountability from university authorities.
The Nepali student community, along with human rights organizations, has also demanded that the university investigate why Prakriti’s complaints were not addressed and implement new protocols to ensure that no other student suffers a similar fate. The situation at KIIT underscores the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, particularly those from international backgrounds, who may be more vulnerable to isolation and discrimination.
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