KIIT Tragedy: Nepali Student’s Death Sparks Diplomatic Tensions & Protests
Summary: The tragic death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University has ignited protests, arrests, and diplomatic concerns between India and Nepal. Read the full story of student unrest, institutional backlash, and political ramifications.
Shocking Discovery Amidst Festivities
A devastating incident at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has escalated into a diplomatic dispute between India and Nepal. The body of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old third-year B.Tech (Computer Science) student from Nepal, was discovered in her hostel room during the university’s three-day annual fest. Initially registered as a suicide, her death soon led to allegations of abuse, student protests, and arrests, shaking the university to its core.
Allegations of Abuse & Viral Evidence
Following her tragic death, students accused the university administration of negligence, claiming that Prakriti had repeatedly sought intervention regarding alleged abuse from her boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, a 21-year-old B.Tech (Mechanical) student. A disturbing audio clip surfaced on social media, purportedly capturing Advik verbally abusing Prakriti, forcing her to use degrading language against herself. While NDTV could not independently verify the clip, the outrage it provoked was enough to fuel campus-wide unrest.
On Monday, Advik was arrested from outside Bhubaneswar’s airport and charged with abetment of suicide.
Protest & Violent Crackdown
Demanding justice, Nepali students at KIIT organized protests, but instead of engagement, university authorities allegedly responded with force. Security personnel and senior officials were seen physically assaulting students in videos that went viral. In a shocking revelation, two university officials were caught making derogatory comments about Nepal, with one even claiming that the country’s GDP was lower than KIIT’s annual budget.
The backlash prompted swift legal action. Two separate cases were filed—one concerning Prakriti’s death and another addressing the assault on student protesters.
Forced Eviction of Nepali Students
As tensions escalated, the university made a drastic move. A statement issued on February 17th declared the immediate closure of KIIT for all international students from Nepal, ordering them to vacate campus. Hundreds of students were forcibly taken to Cuttack railway station and left to fend for themselves.
“They didn’t give us any explanation, just told us to leave,” said a displaced Nepali student.
Government Intervention & Arrests
The Odisha government has since stepped in, forming a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate both the circumstances of Prakriti’s death and the university’s response to student protests. The committee, led by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), will work alongside the Higher Education and Women & Child Development departments to ensure a thorough probe.
Meanwhile, the Odisha Police have arrested six individuals, including three senior university officials—Director General (HR) Sibananda Mishra, Director (Administration) Pratap Kumar Chamupaty, and Director of Hostels Sudhir Kumar Rath—along with two security guards involved in the crackdown.
Apologies, Diplomatic Fallout & Political Firestorm
Following public outcry, KIIT faculty members Manjusha Pandey and Jayanti Nath, who made derogatory remarks against Nepal, issued apologies. “My statements were made in the heat of the moment. I sincerely apologize,” Ms. Pandey said in a video message. The university also issued an apology and removed two officials from their positions but refrained from naming them.
However, the damage was already done. The Nepalese government has warned of suspending No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for students seeking admission to Odisha universities unless the matter is resolved legally and fairly. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli personally intervened, assuring that diplomatic measures were underway to ensure the safety of Nepali students in India.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu also pledged to protect Nepali students studying in India, emphasizing that educational institutions must be held accountable for student safety.
Political Turmoil in Odisha
The incident has sparked a political storm in Odisha, with the opposition Congress party demanding a judicial inquiry. The ruling BJP, which recently came to power in the state, has called for the arrest of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta, while the BJD, Odisha’s former ruling party, has blamed the BJP for deteriorating law and order.
As the investigation unfolds, students, parents, and diplomatic entities await justice for Prakriti Lamsal, whose tragic death has exposed deep-seated issues in student welfare, university accountability, and international student relations in India.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 12:25 pm by India Pioneer Team | Published by: India Pioneer Team on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 12:25 pm | News Categories: News
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