Death of Nepali Student at KIIT University: What Happened?
KIIT University faced protests after Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal's death, sparking arrests, diplomatic tensions, and backlash over alleged mishandling.
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) was rocked by protests after a 20-year-old Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, was found dead in her hostel room on 16th February 2025. Prakriti, a third-year Computer Science student, was from Nepal and had come to India to study. Her death sparked outrage, leading to protests, arrests, and diplomatic tensions between India and Nepal.
What Happened?
Prakriti was allegedly in a toxic relationship with Advik Shrivastava, a Mechanical Engineering student at KIIT. A viral audio clip surfaced where a man, believed to be Advik, was heard abusing and threatening her. Her roommate said Prakriti had an argument with Advik on the morning of her death. Later, she was found dead in her room.
The police initially suspected suicide and arrested Advik for abetment of suicide under BNS Section 108. While no suicide note was found, evidence from her phone suggested emotional abuse.
Protests and Backlash
Nepali students at KIIT accused the university of ignoring Prakriti’s complaints about mental harassment. They demanded justice and strict action against Advik. Instead of addressing their concerns, the university allegedly used force against protesters. Security guards were seen attacking students, and Nepali students were ordered to vacate hostels immediately.
The situation worsened when KIIT officials made disrespectful remarks about Nepal. In a viral video, an official mocked Nepal’s economy, saying, “KIIT’s budget is bigger than Nepal’s GDP.” These comments fueled anger, and protests grew louder.
Expulsion of Nepali Students
KIIT announced the closure of the campus for Nepali students, forcing around 800 students to leave hostels. Many were stranded without proper travel arrangements. The Nepali government condemned the treatment of its students and sent officials to assist them.
Government and Political Reactions
The Odisha government issued a notice to KIIT for mishandling the situation and formed a committee to investigate Prakriti’s death and the university’s actions. The issue also became a political controversy, with opposition parties demanding a judicial inquiry.
Arrests and Apologies
The police arrested six people, including Advik, three KIIT officials, and two security guards. After public outrage, KIIT apologized for its officials’ remarks and removed two officials involved in the expulsion of Nepali students. However, many Nepali students refuse to return, citing safety concerns.
Prakriti’s Family Demands Justice
Prakriti’s family is devastated. They claim she had complained to the university about Advik’s abuse but no action was taken. Her father, Sunil, rushed to KIIT after her death and is demanding strict punishment for those responsible.
The incident has strained India-Nepal relations, with Nepal warning it may restrict students from studying in Odisha if no action is taken. The Indian government has assured justice will be served.
