The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has been embroiled in controversy following the tragic suicide of a Nepalese student, Prakriti Lamsal, on February 16, 2025. Her death, coupled with allegations of harassment, led to protests, diplomatic tensions, and a series of actions aimed at addressing the crisis.
Prakriti Lamsal’s Tragic Death and Investigation
Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old BTech Computer Science student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room at KIIT on February 16, 2025. The circumstances surrounding her death raised serious concerns. According to police reports, Lamsal took her own life after enduring harassment and blackmail by her batchmate, Advik Srivastava, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering student. Srivastava, who is reportedly the son of a politician from Lucknow, has been arrested on charges of abetment to suicide and is currently in judicial custody.
The Impact on Nepalese Students
The news of Lamsal’s death sent shockwaves through both Nepal and Odisha. Nepalese students at KIIT, who were already facing the emotional toll of losing a peer, began protesting on campus, demanding justice for Lamsal. Their protests were further fueled by reports that some Nepalese students had been forcibly removed from their hostel rooms and asked to leave the campus without proper notice, adding to their sense of vulnerability.
In a particularly disturbing incident, some of the Nepalese students were reportedly dropped off at various train stations and bus stops across Bhubaneswar, left stranded without any help or clear communication about their departure. This treatment sparked outrage among the student community, who claimed that their safety and dignity were compromised by the actions of the university’s administration.
Official Statement from Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT.@MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @MofaNepal @IndiaInNepal @EONIndia pic.twitter.com/uqY56uDHH9— KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 20, 2025
KIIT’s Response: Apologies and Calls for Reconciliation
- Apology from the Founder, Achyuta Samanta
In the wake of the protests and growing tension, KIIT’s founder, Achyuta Samanta, issued a public apology on February 19, 2025. In a video message, Samanta expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, assuring both Nepalese students and their parents that the university would take full responsibility for ensuring their safety. Samanta also emphasized that KIIT would be taking action against those responsible for the distressing events that followed the tragedy.
"We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred on the night of February 16," Samanta stated in his message. "We have taken action against some individuals involved, and I humbly request all KIIT students from Nepal to return and continue their education without any fear."
- KIIT’s Scholarship in Memory of Prakriti Lamsal
In a gesture to honor Lamsal’s memory, KIIT announced the launch of a scholarship in her name. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to future students, ensuring that Lamsal’s legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience and hope for others. Samanta met with Lamsal’s family members, including her father and uncle, to personally express his condolences and assure them of the university's commitment to support the family.
"This scholarship will be instituted in Prakriti's name as a tribute to her memory," said Samanta, reflecting on the sorrowful incident that shook both Nepal and India.
- Apology to Nepalese Students and Assurance of Safety
KIIT also took immediate steps to reassure Nepalese students about their safety on campus. In an email sent to the parents of Nepalese students, the university postponed the mid-semester exams for these students, allowing them additional time to return to campus. The exams, originally scheduled to begin on February 28, were rescheduled to March 10.
KIIT officials have been in constant communication with both the students and their families, conducting video calls with parents to address concerns and reassure them about the safety protocols in place. Despite these efforts, many students remain hesitant to return to the campus, fearing further incidents. Letter of Apology from the Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU
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— KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 18, 2025
Protests and Tensions Escalate: The Role of Bajrang Dal
As KIIT worked to restore order, protests continued to erupt on campus and beyond. A group of around 50 Bajrang Dal members gathered outside KIIT’s gates on February 19, 2025, demanding the immediate arrest of Achyuta Samanta. The protesters accused Samanta of "defaming Bharat" over a viral video that depicted two KIIT staff members allegedly reprimanding Nepalese students, claiming that the university's budget exceeded Nepal’s GDP.
The Bajrang Dal protesters, who were stopped by police before they could enter the campus, burned an effigy of Samanta outside the university gates. Tensions between the university administration, the student body, and external political groups escalated, creating a volatile atmosphere at KIIT.
Diplomatic Repercussions: Nepal's Condemnation
The treatment of Nepalese students at KIIT has drawn international attention, with Nepalese parliamentarians condemning the incident as an affront to their citizens. The Nepalese government has taken diplomatic action, with its officials engaging with the university to ensure that proper justice is served and that such incidents do not recur.
In response, KIIT has reiterated its commitment to student welfare, particularly for international students, and promised to enhance security measures on campus. The university has also issued a statement expressing regret for the incident and reaffirming its dedication to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students, including those from Nepal.
Legal Actions and Arrests
The police have arrested several individuals in connection with the various incidents following Lamsal’s death. Five individuals have been arrested for the assault on Nepalese students, although they have been released on bail. Additionally, Advik Srivastava, the student accused of harassing Lamsal, remains in judicial custody as investigations continue.
A Path to Healing and Reconciliation
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal has cast a long shadow over KIIT, with tensions running high among Nepalese students and their families. The protests, arrests, and apologies represent a turning point for the university, which now faces the dual challenge of addressing the immediate fallout from this incident while restoring the trust of its international student community.
Through the establishment of the scholarship in Lamsal’s memory, the university aims to leave behind a legacy of support for future students, ensuring that Prakriti’s spirit is honored. At the same time, the university’s commitment to student safety and the diplomatic steps taken to address Nepalese concerns will be crucial in mending its relationship with the Nepalese community and rebuilding its reputation as a welcoming institution for students from all over the world.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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