The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, became tense following the tragic suicide of a third-year Nepali student, Prakristi Lamsal, on February 12, 2025. Prakristi, a BTech student, was found dead in her hostel room, leading to widespread protests from Nepali students.
Many students gathered to protest what they believed was a case of harassment that led to her death. Social media posts suggest that Prakristi was being harassed by an ex-boyfriend, and her cousin filed a complaint alleging blackmail. The university issued a statement acknowledging the suspected romantic involvement between the deceased and a male student. They suspect this relationship could have contributed to the suicide.
Police Involvement and Eviction Claims
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, with one male student taken into custody for questioning. Authorities are reviewing digital evidence, including the deceased’s mobile phone and laptop.
Amid protests, the situation escalated when university staff reportedly asked Nepali students to leave the campus. Students claimed they were forcibly evicted from their hostels and buses were arranged to take them to Cuttack Railway Station.
Nepal Government Takes Action
Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, has promised to address the situation through diplomatic channels, working with the Indian authorities. He stated that the Nepali government is in touch with the relevant parties regarding the students' safety and well-being.
#WATCH | Rajan Gupta from Nepal says, "...We were protesting for the (deceased) girl. We don't know what their intentions are but we were forcibly made to vacate the hostel. There is no fixed schedule of the train, I have no money. We have not even had food. We are helpless...We… pic.twitter.com/bj2TLUWWIx
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025
Tensions Continue as Students Demand Justice
The protest over the suicide and the forced eviction of Nepali students continues to create unrest on the KIIT campus. While the university has attempted to maintain peace, the tension remains high, especially after videos of students clashing with security guards went viral.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure justice for Prakristi. The situation has sparked a larger conversation on campus safety and the rights of international students.
As the investigation progresses, more students and local authorities are calling for transparency in the matter. Meanwhile, Nepali students remain concerned about their safety and the treatment they received on the campus.
This incident has drawn attention to issues of mental health, harassment, and student rights, especially in the context of international students studying abroad.
