Agencies, February 18, 2025 : The tragic death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal (20), a third-year BTech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, has sparked protests and widespread controversy, leading to the arrest of several individuals connected to the incident. On February 18, 2025, five staff members, including two security guards and three university officials, were arrested in connection with the forced eviction of protesting students following Lamsal’s death. This marked a significant escalation of tensions at the campus, which had seen over 500 Nepali students rallying in protest.
Prakriti Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday evening, with initial reports suggesting that she had taken her own life. Her friends claimed that harassment by her former boyfriend, Advik Srivastava (21), a batchmate at the university, led to her suicide. Lamsal’s father, Sunil Lamsal, also accused Srivastava of emotionally blackmailing and harassing his daughter. The police filed a case based on a complaint from Lamsal’s brother, and Advik Srivastava was arrested on February 13 and forwarded to judicial custody.
Bhubaneswar’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Pinak Mishra, confirmed the arrest of Srivastava, a 21-year-old student, after evidence and statements from Lamsal’s friends and fellow students were gathered. The investigation is ongoing, with the police seizing documents and electronic gadgets as evidence. The Commissionerate Police has assured that they are working diligently to ensure the safety of all students, particularly Nepali students, and uphold law and order on the campus.
In the wake of the protests, KIIT University issued a statement confirming the suspension of the accused student, Advik Srivastava, and expressing its commitment to cooperating with the authorities. The institution emphasized its ongoing support for the investigation and confirmed the termination of two security staff members, Ramakanta Nayak (45) and Jogendra Behera (25), who were involved in the alleged physical assault of protesting students. Additionally, two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office (IRO) were suspended pending a thorough inquiry.
KIIT’s Vice-Chancellor also issued a letter of apology following reports of misconduct and offensive remarks made by staff and students against the protesting Nepali students. “KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our dear Nepali students,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn significant diplomatic attention. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu expressed deep sorrow over Lamsal’s death, offering condolences to her family and assuring that it was closely coordinating with KIIT and the Odisha government. The Nepali Embassy in India also intervened, requesting the university to ensure safe accommodations for affected students and providing support for their welfare.
On social media, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli confirmed that two officers had been sent from the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi to counsel students and ensure their safety. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba further assured the public that the government was taking immediate diplomatic action and closely monitoring the investigation. Two senior officers from Nepal Police also arrived at KIIT University to assess the situation and collaborate with Indian security personnel to ensure a secure environment for Nepali students.
In Nepal, the case has sparked significant political discourse. During a National Assembly session, lawmakers called for a thorough investigation into Lamsal’s death and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Nepali students abroad. Several members of Parliament urged the government to take swift diplomatic action to hold those responsible accountable and provide assurances of security for Nepali students studying in India.
As the investigation continues, the tragic incident has raised serious concerns regarding student safety and welfare, particularly for international students. KIIT University and law enforcement authorities are under intense scrutiny, and both local and international communities are calling for transparency and justice in the case.
Meanwhile legislators of Odisha state assembly cutting across party lines on Tuesday expressed grief in the Odisha assembly over the death of a Nepali student on the KIIT campus here and condemned the alleged mistreatment of several other students from the neighbouring country by the private institute’s authorities.
The issue was raised during the Zero Hour by BJD member PK Deb who said the girl’s suicide and subsequent development brought shame to the state.
