In a tragic turn of circumstances, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, passed away too soon Nepali Student at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Under circumstances that have sparked significant worry and dissatisfaction within the campus community, the 20-year-old was found dead in her dorm room on February 16, 2025.
Allegations of Harassment and Institutional Response
Lamsal’s unfortunate decision may have been influenced by the harassment and blackmail she had been subjected to by a fellow student, according to preliminary assessments. Local officials have detained the accused, a male student of mechanical engineering, on suspicion of aiding and abetting suicide. Following the incident, the university administration released a statement suggesting that Lamsal’s death could have been related to a personal relationship. Her peers have strongly denied this. They contend that harassment and insufficient institutional assistance are the root causes of the problem.
Protests and Eviction of Nepali Students
More than 500 Nepali students have staged nonviolent protests on campus in response to the tragedy, calling for justice for Lamsal and a comprehensive investigation into the events that led to her death. The university management allegedly ordered all Nepali students to leave the dorms rather than listening to their concerns, which heightened tensions and sparked claims of forced expulsion. According to some students, security guards used force against those who opposed the eviction.
International Diplomatic Intervention
The top echelons of the Nepalese government have intervened due to the seriousness of the issue. The Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi has sent two officers to Bhubaneswar to provide guidance and assistance to the impacted students, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli declared. He underlined the government’s dedication to protecting its people’ safety and welfare overseas and said plans have been put in place to provide the students the choice to stay in their dorms or go back home, depending on their choices.
University’s Stance and Ongoing Investigations
The decision to evict Nepali students has been widely criticized, with many questioning the university’s handling of the situation and its commitment to student welfare. KIIT University has called the incident “unfortunate” and said it is fully cooperating with the police investigation. The administration has also claimed to be taking steps to restore normalcy on campus and resume academic activities.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This episode has brought attention to the vulnerabilities encountered by international students at foreign educational institutions, in addition to concerns about student safety and institutional accountability. The treatment of Nepali students at KIIT has deeply alarmed the Nepalese community, both in India and beyond, and they are demanding an open and unbiased inquiry into Lamsal’s passing.
Educational institutions must reassess their support networks and make sure that safeguards against harassment and discrimination are in place while the investigation is ongoing. A young life lost tragically serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility colleges have to protect the welfare of their varied student bodies.
The university community and authorities must cooperate in honor of Prakriti Lamsal in order to resolve the fundamental problems that caused this tragedy and put policies in place to stop similar occurrences in the future.
Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali third-year B.Tech student, was tragically discovered dead in her dorm room at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, igniting demonstrations and raising alarm around the world. He was arrested on charges of aiding and abetting suicide after allegations of harassment and blackmail by a fellow student surfaced. More than 500 Nepali students have protested the event, calling for justice and an open investigation.
The decision by KIIT to kick out Nepali students from their hostels has come under heavy fire amid escalating tensions. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli responded by sending officials to assist the impacted pupils, underscoring the tragedy’s global ramifications. The incident highlights urgent concerns about international students’ difficulties, institutional accountability, and student safety. while inquiries are ongoing.
