Tensions have flared at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, following the tragic death of 20-year-old Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal. Prakriti, a B.Tech student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025, in an apparent suicide. The shocking event has ignited protests among the Nepali student community and led to a series of troubling decisions by the university administration.
The Incident and Harassment Allegations
Prakriti Lamsal’s death has raised serious questions about the safety and well-being of international students on campus. Reports indicate that she had been facing harassment from a fellow student, Advik Srivastava, who has since been arrested on charges of abetment to suicide. Allegedly, Prakriti had been blackmailed by Advik, leading to her extreme distress. Her cousin confirmed that the harassment played a significant role in her deteriorating mental health.
The Bhubaneswar police have initiated an investigation and are working to piece together the circumstances leading to Prakriti’s death. Authorities have seized her belongings, including her phone and personal documents, for forensic analysis. The case has attracted significant media attention, with many questioning how such incidents could go unnoticed by university authorities despite reported complaints by the victim.
Protests by Nepali Students
In response to the tragedy, a large number of Nepali students have taken to the campus grounds, staging protests and demanding justice for Prakriti. They claim that university officials neglected her previous complaints about harassment, which were reportedly filed with the International Relations Office at KIIT. Many students are criticizing the university for not taking preventive measures to protect her from ongoing threats.
The protests quickly escalated, with students demanding a transparent investigation into the case and accountability from the university. The emotional outcry underscores the growing frustration and fear among international students, particularly those from Nepal, who feel that their concerns are being overlooked. Students expressed their collective pain, stating that this tragedy reflects a failure in the institution’s ability to create a safe and supportive environment.
Evictions of Nepali Students Amid Rising Tensions
Following the protests, KIIT’s administration issued a controversial directive, asking all Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately. According to reports, students were given little time or support to make travel arrangements, and many were left in distress, unsure of where to go next. The sudden decision has led to claims of forced eviction, with students saying they were dropped off at Cuttack Railway Station without proper tickets or any logistical support for their journey back home.
A number of students and media reports have voiced concerns about the university’s handling of the situation, accusing officials of being insensitive to the emotional trauma these students were experiencing in the wake of Prakriti’s death. The abrupt nature of the evictions has been heavily criticized, with many questioning the necessity of such drastic measures.
University’s Response to the Situation
KIIT officials have defended their decision to evacuate Nepali students, stating that the move was intended to de-escalate tensions on campus and ensure student safety. According to a university spokesperson, classes and exams for international students have been temporarily suspended, and the students were asked to return home for their own security. The administration also mentioned that they are cooperating with police investigations into Prakriti’s death.
However, the university’s response has been met with backlash. Students allege that during confrontations with administration, some officials made inappropriate comments, further exacerbating their anger and frustration. The lack of communication and empathy in handling the crisis has only deepened the divide between the administration and the student community.
Call for Justice and Accountability
As the investigation into Prakriti Lamsal’s death continues, students and activists are calling for greater accountability from both the university and law enforcement. They are demanding a fair and thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading to her suicide and urging the administration to address the larger issue of harassment and discrimination faced by international students on campus.
Students are also asking for better mental health support services and stricter policies to address harassment complaints. With police maintaining a heightened presence on campus, the situation remains tense, and many are waiting for clarity on the university’s future course of action regarding international students.
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal has shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by international students and the need for institutional changes to prevent future incidents.
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