Nepali Student’s Death at KIIT Sparks Diplomatic Tensions and Nationwide Protests

The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, has sparked mass protests, diplomatic tensions between India and Nepal, and serious allegations against the university. The Odisha government has now ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and the university’s handling of the crisis.

The Death That Sparked a Crisis

Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025. Authorities initially registered it as a case of suicide, but her family and friends allege that persistent harassment from her ex-boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, pushed her to take this extreme step.

Her father, Sunil Lamsal, stated that Prakriti had called her mother shortly before her death and seemed normal. However, an audio recording that surfaced later revealed an alleged conversation where a man, purportedly Advik, was heard verbally abusing and coercing her into self-degradation.

Prakriti had previously reported her harassment to the university’s International Relations Office (IRO), but the administration only issued minor warnings against the accused. This inaction has now become a focal point of public outrage.

Arrests and Investigations

Following the protests, Odisha police arrested Advik Shrivastava on charges of abetment of suicide. Additionally, five university officials, including senior administrators and security guards, were arrested for their role in mishandling the crisis. The Odisha government has formed a high-level committee to probe the circumstances surrounding Prakriti’s death and the university’s response.

University’s Heavy-Handed Response: Forced Evictions and Violence

As protests erupted on campus, KIIT allegedly responded with force instead of addressing students’ concerns. Videos circulating on social media show security personnel and senior officials manhandling students demanding justice.

The university administration then escalated matters further by ordering the immediate eviction of all Nepali students from campus. Busloads of students, including young women, were reportedly dropped off at Cuttack Railway Station without proper travel arrangements.

One student described the ordeal: “We were given no time to pack, no explanation. They just forced us onto buses and abandoned us at the railway station.” Many students were left stranded without train tickets or necessary support.

Following backlash from students, human rights activists, and Nepal’s government, KIIT retracted its eviction order and urged Nepali students to return.

Diplomatic Fallout and International Condemnation

Nepalese authorities swiftly intervened. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli condemned the mistreatment of Nepali students, stating, “Our embassy in New Delhi has dispatched officers to counsel affected students. We are in touch with Indian authorities to ensure justice.”

Nepal’s Ministry of Education issued a warning that it may stop issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Nepali students seeking to study in Odisha if the issue is not resolved fairly.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu assured the Nepalese government that Nepali students in India would be protected and that legal action was being taken against those responsible.

Political Repercussions in Odisha

The incident has led to heated debates in the Odisha Assembly. Opposition parties have demanded strict action against KIIT, with some calling for the arrest of its founder, Achyuta Samanta.

State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj criticized KIIT for not notifying the government before evicting students. “This is not just about one university—it’s about how foreign students are treated in India,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which recently took power in Odisha, accused the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government of allowing KIIT to operate unchecked for years.

KIIT’s Damage Control and Public Apologies

Amid mounting pressure, KIIT officials issued multiple public apologies. Several senior staff members were suspended, and the university reassured Nepali students of their safety should they return.

One official admitted, “We deeply regret how this situation was handled. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.”

Despite these assurances, many students remain hesitant to return. “How can we feel safe when the university itself turned against us?” questioned a Nepali student.

A Test for Justice and Accountability

The controversy has highlighted major concerns regarding student safety, university accountability, and the treatment of international students in India. While the Odisha government has pledged a thorough investigation, the real test lies in ensuring justice for Prakriti Lamsal and in implementing lasting reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the probe continues, a crucial question remains: Will this tragedy lead to systemic change, or will it fade into yet another forgotten outrage?

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