Nepali Student’s Death at KIIT Triggers Campus Unrest and Diplomatic Concerns

Bhubaneswar, February 18, 2025 – The tragic death of a third-year B-Tech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has sparked unrest on campus and raised diplomatic concerns between Nepal and India. The student, identified as Prakriti Lamsal from Nepal, allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room, prompting a police investigation and widespread protests.

According to Infocity police, the deceased student’s cousin lodged a complaint, alleging that she was being blackmailed by a male student from the same university. This has led authorities to investigate a possible case of abetment to suicide. The accused male student has been detained for interrogation, while police have seized Prakriti’s mobile phone, laptop, and other electronic devices to examine potential evidence.

In a statement, KIIT University acknowledged the incident, stating that the student was reportedly in a relationship with another student and may have taken the extreme step due to undisclosed reasons. The university promptly alerted the police and assisted in handling the situation.

Campus Unrest and Evictions

The incident led to a wave of protests on campus, with several Nepali students demanding justice for their late peer. In response, university officials engaged in discussions with the agitated students. As a precautionary measure, the administration arranged for Nepali students to return home, citing concerns over escalating tensions.

On Monday, two buses carrying Nepali students were dispatched to Cuttack Railway Station, with some students alleging they were asked to vacate their hostel rooms without prior notice. “We were asked to leave despite having exams scheduled for February 28,” one student claimed. Meanwhile, students from other states reported being prevented from leaving their hostels by university security, further intensifying frustrations on campus. A video of a scuffle between students and security personnel has circulated on social media, though its authenticity remains unverified.

To maintain law and order, two platoons of police personnel were deployed both inside and outside the campus. Authorities have sealed the deceased student’s hostel room, and her body remains in the mortuary, awaiting the arrival of her parents.

Diplomatic Concerns and Government Intervention

The incident has taken a diplomatic turn, with Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli condemning the alleged forced eviction of Nepali students from the university. PM Oli urged the Indian government to intervene and ensure their safety.

Following his appeal, the Indian central government stepped in, instructing the Odisha state government to direct KIIT to reinstate the evicted Nepali students. This move aims to de-escalate the situation and maintain cordial relations between the two neighboring nations.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Police confirmed the arrest of a 21-year-old student from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, for his suspected involvement in the blackmail allegations leading to Prakriti’s death. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken.

As the probe continues, the incident has highlighted growing concerns over student safety, mental health, and university accountability. Authorities are expected to review hostel policies and student grievance mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)