A tragic incident at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has escalated into a major controversy involving student protests, diplomatic tensions between India and Nepal, and legal action. The death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepali student, has triggered allegations of harassment, arrests, and a crackdown on international students. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what has transpired so far.
What Happened at KIIT?
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech (Computer Science) student at KIIT, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday afternoon. The police initially registered it as a case of suicide. However, the circumstances surrounding her death led to immediate protests by students, particularly those from Nepal, who demanded an impartial inquiry and action against those responsible.
According to students, Prakriti had repeatedly sought help from the university administration regarding alleged physical and verbal abuse by 21-year-old Advik Shrivastava, a B.Tech (Mechanical) student from Uttar Pradesh.
A viral audio clip surfaced soon after her death, in which a man, reportedly Advik, can be heard hurling expletives at a woman who is sobbing.
The man forces her to call herself a derogatory term and coerces an apology out of her. While the authenticity of the clip is yet to be independently verified, it has fueled outrage and strengthened calls for justice.
Arrests and Legal Action
Advik Shrivastava was arrested on Monday from outside Bhubaneswar’s airport and charged with abetment of suicide. However, the case took another turn as authorities arrested five more individuals in connection with both Prakriti’s death and the violent crackdown on student protests.
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Among those arrested are Sibananda Mishra (Director General, HR, KIIT), Pratap Kumar Chamupaty (Director, Administration), Sudhir Kumar Rath (Director of Hostels), Jogendra Behera and Ramakanta Nayak (Security personnel involved in student assault).
Two separate cases have been registered—one for abetment of suicide based on a complaint from Prakriti’s cousin and another concerning the crackdown on protesting students.
Student Protests and KIIT Response
Outraged over Prakriti’s death, Nepali students at KIIT staged protests demanding justice. Instead of engaging with them, university officials, along with security personnel, allegedly resorted to physical force to suppress the demonstrations. Videos circulating on social media show students being manhandled and verbally abused.
A particularly controversial moment came when university officials made derogatory remarks about Nepal, with one claiming that the country’s GDP was lower than KIIT’s student budget. This further escalated tensions.
Forcible Eviction of Nepali Students
In a shocking turn of events, KIIT issued a notice on February 17, 2025, ordering all international students from Nepal to vacate the campus immediately. Over 800 Nepali students were removed from hostels and sent to Cuttack railway station without prior notice. Some students expressed distress at being abruptly forced to leave without any explanation.
Following public outcry, the Odisha government set up a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate both Prakriti’s death and the university’s handling of student protests. The panel, led by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), includes representatives from the Higher Education and Women and Child Development departments.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj acknowledged that KIIT authorities had failed to inform the government about the incident. He stated that the institution has been served a notice and that legal and administrative action will be taken based on the committee’s findings.
Diplomatic Fallout Between India and Nepal
The incident has drawn significant diplomatic attention. The Nepalese government, in a strongly worded statement, warned that it might suspend issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for students seeking admission to universities in Odisha unless the situation is handled justly.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli intervened, announcing that the Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi has sent officers to counsel affected students. The Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the situation “unimaginable” and assured that it was in direct contact with the Indian government. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu pledged to ensure the safety of Nepali students in India.
Apologies and Damage Control by KIIT
Following severe backlash, KIIT removed two officials from service and issued a public apology, urging Nepali students to return to their hostels. Two faculty members, Manjusha Pandey and Jayanti Nath, who made derogatory remarks about Nepal, also apologized publicly, stating that their comments were made “in the heat of the moment.”
Despite these apologies, many students and activists remain skeptical about KIIT’s commitment to justice and accountability.
Political Ramifications in Odisha
The controversy has become a political flashpoint in Odisha. The Congress party has demanded a judicial inquiry, while the ruling BJP has called for the arrest of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has blamed the incident on deteriorating law and order under the BJP-led state government.
The Odisha Assembly saw heated debates, with MLAs across party lines condemning the events at KIIT. “The developments at KIIT have tarnished the state’s image, and this cannot be tolerated,” a Congress MLA remarked.
With diplomatic pressure mounting and legal proceedings underway, the case remains under intense scrutiny. The Odisha government’s fact-finding committee is expected to submit its report soon, and its findings will likely determine the next course of action.
