KIIT Nepali Student Death: Nepal’s Ambassador Engages with KIIT Founder Amid Growing Outrage

Bhubaneswar: The tragic death of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar has sparked international concern, with Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Sharma, engaging in discussions with KIIT authorities regarding the incident.

Press Release on Odisha incident pic.twitter.com/PY6tCUdOAz

— Nepal Embassy, India (@EONIndia) February 18, 2025

Dr. Sharma had a telephone conversation with KIIT Founder, Prof. Achyuta Samanta, and also met with university representatives. According to the Nepal Embassy in India, Prof. Samanta briefed the ambassador on the actions taken by KIIT, including a public apology letter from the Vice Chancellor and the termination of several staff members.

This comes amid allegations from the student’s father, Sunil Lamsal, who claimed that his daughter was subjected to harassment and emotional blackmail, leading to her suicide. “We have information that she was harassed and emotionally blackmailed, which led to her suicide,” Lamsal said, urging authorities to deliver justice.

H.E. @DrShankarSharma had a telephone conversation with Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and also met his representatives. Prof. Samanta briefed Dr Sharma about the actions taken by KIIT including a public apology letter from the VC and termination of few staff. pic.twitter.com/4Dwgm8Kb3w

— Nepal Embassy, India (@EONIndia) February 18, 2025

Protests have erupted both in India and Nepal, with the student wing of Nepal’s Congress party organizing demonstrations in Kathmandu demanding accountability. Meanwhile, the Odisha government has formed a high-level fact-finding committee to investigate the case, comprising senior officials from the Home, Women & Child Development, and Higher Education departments.

Initially, KIIT directed all Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately following the discovery of the student’s body. However, later the same day, the administration urged students to return, stating that efforts were being made to restore normalcy.

Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police confirmed the arrest of a student in connection with the case, while forensic teams are examining the deceased’s phone, laptop, and diary. Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, also commented on the incident, stating that his government is addressing the matter through diplomatic channels with India.

As investigations continue, students at KIIT and beyond are demanding transparency, accountability, and improved safety measures for international students.