A third-year Nepali student named Prakriti Lamsal lost her life at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar which triggered widespread anger among Nepali students followed by campus demonstrations. On Sunday evening police discovered Lamsal’s lifeless body inside her hostel room which ignited protests among Nepali students who numbered over 500 on campus. These protests intensified when Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology allegedly forced Nepali students to leave their hostel spaces causing Nepal diplomats to step in.
Sunil Lamsal, the father of the deceased, has accused the institute of mistreating Nepali students. “I have lost my daughter. Many other children are studying here. It is known from the media that some students were driven out of their hostel. This is not right. This
incident should not be repeated,” he said. He further expressed his belief that the institute’s actions were unjust, adding, “These people go to Nepal and invite students to study here. The institute mistreated them.” He remains hopeful that the Odisha government and local authorities will bring justice for his daughter.
KIIT Suspends Staff, Terminates Security Personnel
In response to the incident, KIIT suspended three officials, including two senior hostel staff members, and terminated two security personnel. The institute issued a public apology for insensitive comments made by some of its staff during the protests. “For our staff, we recognize that certain comments were made in the heat of the moment, and we apologize for any distress caused,” said the KIIT administration. Additionally, a 24/7 control room has been set up to assist Nepali students in returning to the campus.
Prakriti Lamsal’s cousin filed a complaint with the police, alleging that a male student had been blackmailing her, which he believes contributed to her suicide. The authorities are investigating the situation, with the Indian embassy in Nepal assuring a thorough
inquiry into the matter. “The Government of India will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of the Nepali students in India,” stated the embassy.
Nepali Embassy Sends Officials to KIIT
The incident has drawn the attention of both the Indian and Nepalese governments. Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, mentioned that two officials from the Nepal embassy would visit KIIT to meet with the students and ensure their safety. Meanwhile, the Odisha government has instructed the university to bring back the affected Nepali students to Bhubaneswar via special buses.
KIIT has assured the public that the academic progress of the affected students will not be hindered during the ongoing investigation. The institute is working to manage the situation and ensure that peace is restored on campus.
