Administrative Action
KIIT authorities suspended two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office (IRO) in connection with the incident. Additionally, two security staff members were terminated. The university set up a 24×7 control room at Campus 6 to facilitate the return of Nepali students and issued a helpline number for assistance. KIIT acknowledged that certain staff comments may have caused distress and apologized, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to student safety and well-being.
The Incident
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was rocked by the tragic death of 20-year-old Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal on February 16, 2025. Her passing has ignited widespread protests, administrative suspensions, and diplomatic interventions, highlighting critical issues of student safety and institutional responsibility.
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B. Tech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room at KIIT. Initial investigations suggest that she died by suicide, with allegations pointing towards harassment by a fellow student, Advik Srivastava, a 21-year-old from Lucknow. Reports indicate that Srivastava had been blackmailing Lamsal, leading to her tragic decision.
Student Protests and Institutional Response
The news of Lamsal’s death prompted over 500 Nepali students at KIIT to stage protests, demanding justice and accountability. Tensions escalated when university authorities issued a notice directing all Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately. This action was perceived by many as an attempt to suppress dissent and avoid responsibility.
Diplomatic Interventions
The incident drew the attention of both the Indian and Nepali governments. Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, expressed concern over the situation, stating that the government was working through diplomatic channels to address the issue. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu also issued a statement, expressing deep sadness over Lamsal’s death and confirming that local authorities had initiated an investigation.
Arrest of the Accused
In response to the allegations, Odisha police arrested Advik Srivastava on charges of abetment to suicide. Investigations revealed that Srivastava had been secretly photographing Lamsal and allegedly blackmailing her, which contributed to her distress.
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal has underscored the critical need for robust mechanisms to address student grievances and ensure their safety within educational institutions. The subsequent protests, administrative actions, and diplomatic responses reflect the gravity of the situation and the collective responsibility to prevent such incidents in the future. As investigations continue, it is imperative that KIIT and similar institutions implement comprehensive measures to protect students and uphold their well-being.
(With inputs from agencies)
