The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha has suspended three staff members following the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old student from Nepal. Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room on February 17, 2025, triggering protests from over 500 Nepali students.
Protesters alleged that she had faced harassment and blackmail from a male batchmate, Advik Srivastava, who has since been arrested. The university’s response to the incident faced criticism, prompting intervention from the Nepalese Embassy and calls for a thorough investigation.
Protests Over Student’s Death
Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student, was discovered unresponsive in her hostel room, leading to a wave of outrage on campus. More than 500 Nepali students gathered to demand accountability from university officials, alleging that Lamsal had been harassed by Srivastava. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pinak Mishra stated that Lamsal’s cousin had reported allegations of harassment and blackmail, which authorities are investigating as potential factors in the case.
Amid rising tensions, KIIT initially advised Nepali students to vacate the campus, citing security concerns. However, this decision was later withdrawn following intervention from Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, according to reports. The Nepalese Embassy in India also intervened, urging KIIT to ensure the safety of its international students.
This is teacher #ManjushaPandey, who rudely behaved with and even bit #Nepali students yesterday. Today, she is apologizing for her actions.
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) February 18, 2025
Shame on her humanity, and shame on the university for allowing such mannerless behavior.#JusticeForPrakriti #ShameOnKIIT https://t.co/1TZDIf8J7A pic.twitter.com/K8FQ9Nu2Y7
Institutional Response and Investigation
The case has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of international students in India. According to sources, Lamsal had previously approached KIIT’s International Relations Office regarding alleged misconduct by Srivastava. However, university officials stated that no formal written complaints were filed, only verbal concerns. This has led to criticism over the university’s handling of harassment allegations.
These Scenes From KIIT Hostel University Of Odisha, and Nepali Students are beaten For Doing Protect For Prakriti Lamsal
— Omkar Ugale (@Omkarugale2811) February 18, 2025
PLEASE STOP THIS…!!!
|#JusticeForPrakriti|#PrakritiLamsal|#odisha|#KIITUniversity| pic.twitter.com/oe2mfVkWGE
In response to public outcry, KIIT announced measures to support affected students, including setting up a control room to assist Nepali students and ensure their academic progress remains unaffected. Additionally, the university issued a public apology and confirmed that three staff members were suspended following an internal review. KIIT’s founder, Achyuta Samanta, held a telephonic conversation with Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Shankar P. Sharma, briefing him on the steps taken by the institute, including a commitment to improving student safety measures.
Meanwhile, KIIT has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement authorities investigating the case. The Nepalese Embassy continues to closely monitor developments to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry into Lamsal’s death.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to create safe and supportive environments for all students, particularly international students who may feel vulnerable in a foreign country. The apparent failure of KIIT to take proactive action on Lamsal’s verbal complaints raises serious concerns about institutional responsibility and student welfare.
Universities must implement stronger mechanisms for reporting and addressing harassment complaints to prevent such tragedies. A structured and transparent grievance redressal system—where complaints are documented and acted upon promptly—is crucial in ensuring student safety. Furthermore, fostering a campus culture of empathy, inclusivity, and zero tolerance for harassment is the need of the hour.
As we reflect on this tragedy, one key question remains: Are Indian universities equipped with effective policies to protect international students from harassment and discrimination? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and insights on how educational institutions can better ensure student safety and mental well-being.
