Nepali Student’s Tragic Death at KIIT University Sparks Protests and Diplomatic Tensions – Here’s Everything That Has Happened
Reported by Shradha Panda
Bhubaneshwar, 18th February 2025: A tragic incident occurred at KIIT University in Odisha when a 20-year-old third-year BTech student from Nepal, Prakriti Lamsal, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16. The incident has triggered widespread protests and diplomatic concerns. Students seem to be questioning the university regarding its handling of harassment cases. Allegations have emerged that Lamsal was being allegedly harassed and blackmailed by a fellow student, Advik Srivastava.
Following the suicide, a massive protest broke out involving over 500 Nepali students demanding accountability and justice. The tension escalated further when the university ordered all the international students from Nepal to leave the campus, demanding an intervention from the PM of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli.
Everything That Has Happened
The Protest
Following the victim’s death, more than 500 Nepali students launched a massive protest. Several students have even alleged that the victim had previously reached out to the university’s International Relations Office (IRO) regarding the harassment, but no action was taken.
KIIT registrar Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty confirmed to the media that a complaint had been filed with the IRO regarding the accused’s inappropriate behaviour. He explained that IRO officials brought both students together for counselling and issued a warning to the accused, advising against such behaviour in the future. Mohanty further mentioned that no formal written statement was obtained from the accused.
Leaked Call Recording and Video of KIIT Officials Arguing with Students Resurface
Immediately after the incident, a call recording of the victim and the accused resurfaced on social media in which the accused appeared to be verbally abusing the victim repeatedly. A video of two officials from KIIT started circulating on social media where the officials seemed to be arguing with the Nepali students, making disparaging remarks about Nepal’s budget, shaming the country, and telling the students to leave the campus and return to Nepal if they felt unsafe at KIIT.
International Nepali Students Were Ordered to Leave the Campus
Amidst the chaos, the university ordered the international Nepali students to leave the campus for an indefinite period. The issued notice from the university stated, “The University is closed sine die for all the international students from Nepal. They are hereby directed to vacate the university campus immediately today, 17th February 2025.”
Nepal’s Prime Minister Intervenes
Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli intervened when over 500 Nepali students, including many women, were abruptly expelled overnight, leaving them stranded and helpless at bus and railway stations. K.P. Sharma Oli stated on X, “Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha. Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference.”
The University Issues Another Notice
After Nepal’s PM expressed his concerns, the university again issued another notice stating that the administration had taken necessary steps to restore normalcy and urged the Nepali students to return and resume their classes.
What DCP Pinak Mishra Said on the Case
DCP (Central) Pinak Mishra talking about the case has said that, prima facie, the accused was torturing the victim mentally and abetted her suicide. He also confirmed that the accused has been registered under ‘Infocity PS Case No: 56, dated 16/02/2025’ and further investigation is ongoing.
Registrar Responds and The Public Backlash
Speaking to the media, the university’s registrar said the victim and the accused were in a relationship, and after their relationship ended, the victim committed suicide. This statement then met severe criticism, with many people accusing the university of hiding the truth.
