The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT university) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has led to significant unrest and diplomatic engagement.
On February 16, 2025, Prakriti Lamsalwas found deceased in her hostel room, with initial reports suggesting suicide following alleged on-campus harassment. Authorities have arrested a fellow student in connection with these allegations.
Student Protests in KIIT university
The incident sparked protests among the student body, particularly from the Nepali community. Reports indicate that over 500 Nepali students were forcibly evicted from their hostels, intensifying tensions on campus.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, expressed deep concern over the situation. He stated that the Nepali government is addressing the matter through diplomatic channels and has dispatched two officers from the Embassy in New Delhi to counsel the affected students.
In response to the diplomatic outreach, the Odisha state government has intervened, allowing the evicted Nepali students to return to their hostels. Efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy on campus and address the concerns raised by the student community. This incident highlights the critical need for ensuring the safety and well-being of international students and fostering a supportive educational environment.