Introduction
The tragic death of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar has sparked outrage, leading to strong reactions from the Odisha government. Amid rising protests and diplomatic concerns, authorities have assured strict action against the university over alleged negligence. The incident has not only shaken the student community but has also raised serious questions about the safety of international students in Indian educational institutions.
The Tragic Incident
A 20-year-old Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, pursuing her B.Tech in Computer Science, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025. Initial investigations suggest that she died by suicide after allegedly facing continuous harassment from a fellow student. Reports indicate that she had previously complained about the harassment, but no concrete action was taken. The accused has since been arrested and placed under judicial custody.
The incident has led to an uproar on campus, with students, particularly from Nepal, demanding justice. Protests erupted as students accused the administration of failing to act on repeated complaints and ensuring student safety.
Outrage and Student Protests
The situation escalated when KIIT authorities allegedly issued sudden directives asking Nepali students to vacate their hostels. Many students reported being forced out of their accommodation and left stranded at railway stations without proper arrangements. Videos and images of distressed students went viral on social media, further intensifying the backlash against the university.
The protests soon turned into a large-scale demonstration, with students calling for accountability and immediate reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Odisha police had to intervene to control the unrest, but tensions remained high.
Odisha Government’s Response
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Odisha government has assured strict action against KIIT. A high-level fact-finding committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the student’s death and the administration’s handling of the complaints.
The government has also directed the police to conduct a thorough inquiry, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Officials have stated that if negligence is proven, strict legal action will be taken against university authorities.
In addition, the Higher Education Department has issued notices to KIIT, seeking an explanation for their handling of student grievances. Measures are also being discussed to improve safety protocols for international students studying in Odisha.
Legal and Administrative Actions
Following the student’s death, law enforcement agencies have arrested three senior university officials and two security personnel. Those arrested include the Director General of Human Resources, the Director of Administration, and the Director of Hostels. Additionally, KIIT has suspended several staff members and dismissed security personnel who were allegedly involved in mishandling the situation.
The university has since issued an official statement expressing regret over the incident and has promised to cooperate fully with the investigation. However, student organizations and activists continue to demand a transparent probe and stricter regulations to protect students.
Diplomatic Concerns and Nepal’s Reaction
The tragedy has also drawn diplomatic attention, with the Nepalese government expressing deep concern over the safety of Nepali students in India. Nepal’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Ministry have engaged with Indian authorities to ensure the well-being of their students. The Nepalese Embassy in India has sent officials to Bhubaneswar to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected students.
In Nepal, the incident has sparked debates in Parliament, with leaders urging stronger protections for Nepali students studying abroad. The issue has also gained significant media coverage, amplifying calls for justice.
Support for Nepali Students
In response to the growing concerns, the Odisha government has launched helplines for Nepali students and has assured them of safety on campus. Efforts are being made to bring back students who left due to the chaos, with the government arranging transportation and accommodations for their return.
KIIT has also announced that students who missed their exams due to the unrest will be given another opportunity to appear for them. The administration has promised better grievance redressal mechanisms and stricter anti-harassment policies going forward.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal has raised serious concerns about student safety and administrative accountability in universities. The Odisha government’s assurance of stern action is a step toward addressing these issues, but students and activists continue to demand concrete reforms.
As investigations progress, there is an urgent need to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. The case has also underscored the importance of strengthening protections for international students, fostering safer academic environments, and holding institutions accountable for their actions.
