On February 16, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, when a third-year BTech student from Nepal, Prakriti Lamsal, was found dead in her hostel room. Prakriti Lamsal, a BTech student, reportedly died by suicide as stated by the authorities. On February 18, 2025, her father claimed that the private engineering college had mistreated students from the neighbouring country.
His comments came after the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) faced accusations of evicting a group of Nepali students from their hostel. This happened amid growing tensions on campus following the death of Prakriti Lamsal.
After her death, several social media posts suggested that Prakriti had been harassed by her ex-boyfriend. Her cousin later filed a police complaint, claiming that a male student at the university had been blackmailing her, which led her to take her own life, according to reports. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commission of Police Pinak Mishra said, “The police team immediately visited the spot and seized the body. Our scientific team has collected her laptop and phone as demanded by the agitating student.”
1. About Odisha's KIIT Student Suicide Case
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025. After the investigation, it is said that she allegedly took her own life after a troubled relationship with a male student from KIIT.
After her death, many students, especially those from Nepal, took to the streets, demanding the arrest of the boy for mistreating Prakriti, which led to her suicide. The embassy later confirmed that they had contacted both KIIT authorities and the Odisha State Government about the situation.
#WATCH | Odisha: A https://t.co/jHgpcuG1h2 third-year girl student from Nepal was found dead in KIIT University (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) hostel in Bhubaneswar on 16th February. As per a notice issued by the University, the institute is hence closed sine die… pic.twitter.com/vVfgY140up
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025
Following the incident, over 500 Nepali students at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) were told to leave the campus in Bhubaneswar. The private college in Odisha declared an indefinite break for all Nepali students and sent them in buses to Cuttack Railway Station, which is about 30 kilometers away from the campus. However, the institute later requested all Nepal students to “return to the campus and resume classes”.
2. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s Statement
Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha.
— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) February 17, 2025
Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference. #Nepal #Odisha
On February 17, 2025, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the country's embassy in New Delhi sent two officers to support students who were reportedly forced to leave after the death of their Nepali classmate at KIIT University in Odisha. The incident led to protests at the university. He shared 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. #Nepal #Odisha”
3. Indian Embassy In Kathmandu Issues Statement
Press Release regarding Odisha incident pic.twitter.com/CuN0li7e55
— Nepal Embassy, India (@EONIndia) February 17, 2025
Nepal’s embassy extended heartfelt condolences to the family members of Prakriti Lamsal, the deceased student. It said, “The educational institution has expressed its commitment to take the matter seriously and will insist on an independent and impartial investigation into the death.” The embassy also confirmed that it was in contact with the management of KIIT and the Odisha state government regarding the students' situation. They urged the university to ensure the safety of Nepali students living there, and the KIIT administration assured them that steps would be taken.
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4. KIIT College Student Suicide In Odisha: About The Accused
On February 16, 2025, the police arrested Advik Srivastava, a 21-year-old student (Lucknow resident), under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for abetment of suicide. They are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Prakriti Lamsal. Bhubaneswar's DCP, Pinak Mishra, confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing.
5. Students Protest At KIIT And Justice Demand
#BREAKING: Nepali students protest outside the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu after mistreatment faced by students at KIIT University in Odisha, India. Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B Tech student from Nepal, died by suicide at the University after facing molestation by a student. pic.twitter.com/iIfx78RaW5
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 17, 2025
After the tragic death, a group of Nepali students at KIIT held protests, demanding justice for Prakriti Lamsal. Tensions on campus grew as students expressed their anger over the incident. While the university tried to calm the situation, the protests continued, with many students seeking answers and accountability.
Rajan Gupta, a Nepalese student, shared his frustration with the situation, saying, “We were protesting for the girl, and suddenly we were asked to vacate. We don’t know what their intentions are, but we were forcibly made to leave. I don’t have a train ticket or money.”
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6. Letter of Apology From Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT)
Letter of Apology from the Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU
— KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 18, 2025
KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of… pic.twitter.com/mJb1Zo9jGj
The university announced that disciplinary action was taken against its security staff and officials. Professor Saranjit Singh, the vice-chancellor of KIIT, issued an apology letter. Two security staff were dismissed, and two senior hostel officials along with a senior administrative officer from the IRO were suspended while an investigation is ongoing.
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Image credit: Freepik and Twitter
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