The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has sparked widespread outrage and protests in both Nepal and India. Prakriti, a third-year BTech student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025, in what authorities suspect to be a case of suicide. Reports indicate that she had been experiencing mental distress due to alleged harassment by her boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, a fellow student at the university. Following an investigation, the police arrested Srivastava on charges of abetment to suicide.
Student Protests and Eviction
The incident led to immediate protests, particularly among Nepali students studying at KIIT. Many of them accused the university administration of negligence, claiming that Prakriti had previously raised concerns about harassment but did not receive adequate support. In response to the demonstrations, KIIT ordered all Nepali students to vacate their hostels, leading to an even bigger outcry. Over 500 Nepali students were reportedly forced to leave, with some alleging mistreatment by security personnel during the eviction.
This mass eviction created a diplomatic and humanitarian crisis, as many students found themselves stranded without accommodation. Some were forced to leave Odisha, fearing for their safety. The move by KIIT was widely condemned, with critics arguing that instead of addressing students’ concerns, the university chose to silence them.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The issue quickly escalated to the political sphere, both in Nepal and India. In Nepal, lawmakers across party lines criticized their government’s slow response, calling it a diplomatic failure. Many demanded justice for Prakriti and urged the Nepalese government to take a stronger stand in protecting its students studying abroad. In India, opposition leaders in Odisha raised concerns over the state’s law and order situation, calling for a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Prakriti’s death and the university’s handling of the aftermath.
University and Government Response
Following the backlash, the Odisha government formed a high-level committee to investigate Prakriti’s death as well as the actions taken by KIIT. In response to mounting pressure, the university administration apologized publicly and took several corrective measures. Security personnel involved in the eviction were dismissed, and senior officials responsible for handling student affairs were suspended. KIIT also announced the establishment of a special helpline for Nepali students and assured them of their safety should they choose to return to campus.
Despite these measures, many Nepali students remain hesitant about resuming their studies at KIIT, citing fears of discrimination and lack of institutional support.
Broader Implications
The tragic case of Prakriti Lamsal has sparked a broader conversation about student welfare, institutional accountability, and the treatment of international students in India. Many have called for stronger safeguards to protect students from harassment and ensure that universities take mental health concerns seriously. The incident has also highlighted the need for clear policies on how educational institutions should handle cases of student distress and protests.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Prakriti while addressing the concerns of the student community that has been deeply affected by this tragedy.
