Tension erupted at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) campus in Odisha on February 16, following the tragic death of a third-year student from Nepal, Prakriti Lamsal, who was found dead in her hostel room. Authorities confirmed that Lamsal, a BTech student, died by suicide.
In response to the incident, a group of Nepali students gathered later that night, protesting the circumstances surrounding her death. During the protests, many students claimed they were forcibly evicted from the campus.
Social media posts began circulating, alleging that Lamsal had been harassed by her ex-boyfriend. Her cousin filed a complaint with the police, asserting that Lamsal had been blackmailed by a male student at the university, which allegedly contributed to her decision to take her life.
KIIT issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy, confirming the suicide, and suggesting that it may have been related to a love affair with a fellow student. The university’s statement indicated that further investigation was needed to understand the exact cause behind the suicide.
In light of the allegations, police have opened an investigation into the incident, with a case filed on suspicion that a male student may have abetted Lamsal’s suicide. The accused student is currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation. The authorities have seized Lamsal’s mobile phone, laptop, and other electronic devices as part of the investigation.
Bhubaneswar's Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pinak Mishra, emphasised the importance of conducting a thorough and scientific inquiry into the matter.
The situation on campus remained tense after the protests. To manage the unrest, the authorities deployed two platoons of police personnel to maintain order. KIIT announced that it had directed Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately, with two buses arranged to transport them to Cuttack Railway Station the following morning.
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A notice issued by the university stated: "The University is closed sine die for all international students from Nepal. They are hereby directed to vacate the university campus immediately today, February 17."
However, a subsequent university release contradicted this, urging Nepali students to return to campus and resume their classes, stating that efforts were being made to restore normalcy and resume academic activities.
Students who had been asked to leave expressed their frustration. Anil Prasad Yadav, a student from Nepal, shared his experience at the railway station, stating that he and others were forced out of the hostel without sufficient time or food.
"We went to the International Office and sat on a protest, but we were sent back. We were asked to leave within an hour, and we don't know how we will go or how to get a ticket," Yadav told reporters.
Another student, Rajan Gupta, described how they were protesting in solidarity with Lamsal, but were told to vacate the hostel. "The staff came and told us to leave. Those who didn’t pack quickly were even hit," Gupta said.
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The incident has also drawn the attention of the Nepalese government. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that his government is addressing the matter through diplomatic channels and maintaining contact with the relevant authorities.
In terms of law enforcement, a senior police official confirmed that additional personnel had been stationed both inside and outside the campus to ensure peace. The police have also sealed off Lamsal’s hostel room and kept her body in the mortuary, awaiting transfer to her family.
While the situation on the KIIT campus has reportedly calmed down, other students have raised concerns. Some claimed that private security guards were not allowing them to leave the hostel.
A video showing students clashing with guards went viral, though its authenticity remains unverified. University officials have declined to comment on this specific allegation.
Helplines
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
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