In a tragic incident that sparked widespread protests and diplomatic concern, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on February 16, 2025. The 21-year-old’s death, initially suspected to be a suicide, subsequently gave rise to allegations of harassment and institutional negligence, stirring both local unrest and international diplomatic intervention.
Discovery and Immediate Aftermath
Students from KIIT found Prakriti Lamsal dead by hanging in her hostel room after she did not attend classes. Preliminary police reports suggest suicide; however, the absence of a suicide note has fuled a suspicion among students and her family that she could have been murdered.
In the backdrop of these developments, KIIT authorities directed all Nepali students vacate the hostels on a sudden notice, saying this was necessary because of security concerns. This move left stranded more than 500 Nepali students, many of whom struggled to find accommodation and travel arrangements.
Allegations of Harassment and Institutional Negligence
The student community of KIIT raised the intense accusation that Prakriti had been subject to continuous harassment by certain faculty members and students. They alleged that no action was taken whenever they brought the complaints to the administration, eventually creating an atmosphere of complete helplessness and vulnerability for students. Protests erupted on the campus and in Nepal over the plight of helpless Nepalis being expelled from the hostel and no proper arrangements to aid them.
The Investigation
In the aftermath of the protests, local authorities arrested a male student thought to be linked to the case. While the precise nature of his involvement remains undisclosed, police have said the investigation is still continuing as efforts are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding Prakriti’s death. The lack of clarity and pace of the investigation has been condemned by student bodies and human rights organizations, which demanded that a thorough and impartial inquiry be conducted.
Diplomatic Implications
The occurrence has developed into a diplomatic issue with Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli expressing concerns about the safety and welfare of Nepali students in their neighboring country, India. Prime Minister Oli released a statement insisting that a speedy and transparent investigation must take place and has assured that the Nepalese government is in regular communication with Indian authorities for the justice of Prakriti and the safe return of the displaced students back to Nepal.
The Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi has also stepped in and is in touch with Indian authorities to ensure they can arrange accommodation and safe repatriation for the students.
Institutional Response and Student Safety
Established in 1992, KIIT University has been reputedly championed as one of the significant educational institutions of India but is under the spotlight for how it has dealt with the recent controversy. Critics argue that the mass expulsion of the Nepali students is a case of failure and insensitivity towards its international students.
The university, responding to criticism, has now formed an internal committee to investigate the allegations of harassment and the circumstances surrounding Prakriti’s death. However, doubts still arise among student groups demanding independent probe and concrete measures to ensure safety and support for the students.
Wider Implications
The incident has opened up another debate on the plight of international students in Indian educational institutions. NGOs state the need for established support systems, for professional mental health counseling services and policies against harassment and for culturally sensitive training to be given to both students and faculty/staff.
The KIIT situation is a stark reminder of the very real fragility of their experiences for international students and the work that institutions must undertake to create inclusiveness and implement supportive strategies therein.
