Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering asia news
Tragedy at KIIT: The Enigmatic Death of Prakriti Lamsal and the Consequences for Nepali Students
On 16 February 2025, a 20-year-old Nepalese B.Tech student named Prakriti Lamsal was found dead in her room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The death, which is alleged to have been a suicide, has rocked both Indian and Nepali societies. Although officials are yet to investigate the causes of her death, the incident has ignited fiery arguments over campus safety, the well-being of students, and bureaucratic mismanagement.
Allegations of Harassment and Emotional Blackmail; cause of death
Prakriti’s father, Sunil Lamsal, has alleged that his daughter faced harassment and emotional blackmail, which may have played a significant role in her tragic decision. According to reports, Prakriti had been struggling with personal and academic challenges, and there are claims that she was subjected to undue pressure within the university environment. The exact details remain unclear, but the allegations have fueled calls for a transparent investigation into the university’s handling of student welfare.
Forced Eviction of Nepali Students
Following Prakriti’s death, tensions escalated on the KIIT campus, particularly among the large community of Nepali students studying there. Protests erupted as students demanded justice and accountability from the university administration. However, rather than addressing their concerns, the university issued orders for over 500 Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately.
This compelled eviction resulted in scenes of chaos, with numerous students stranded without proper arrangements for accommodation or return home. Some students vented their complaints on social media, claiming they were treated unjustly and intimidated by university authorities. Numerous Nepali students were forced to appeal for urgent help from their embassy to secure a means of returning home.
Allegations of Administrative Mismanagement
The handling of the situation by KIIT’s administration has drawn severe criticism. Many have pointed out the lack of crisis management measures and the absence of psychological support services for grieving students. Instead of ensuring that students felt safe and heard, the abrupt decision to evict Nepali students raised questions about whether the university was attempting to silence dissent.
Moreover, it has been reported that KIIT did not handle the case of Prakriti in an open manner with both students and the public. Parents and students have called for explanation on what actually happened in the lead-up to her death and whether there were measures in place at the university to avert tragedies.
Diplomatic Intervention and Public Outcry
The case not only impacted KIIT students but also interested Nepal's government. Nepali authorities have made representations to Indian authorities to highlight the treatment of Nepali students and to ask for a thorough investigation. Student unions and human rights groups have also spoken up, calling for institutions to care more about students' mental well-being and ensure that international students are not treated discriminatorily.
A Call for Justice and Reform
Prakriti Lamsal’s tragic death serves as a painful reminder of the pressures faced by students, particularly those studying abroad. It has highlighted the need for universities to implement stronger mental health support systems, anti-harassment policies, and crisis management strategies.
While investigations are still ongoing, it is crucial that this case does not fade into obscurity. Justice for Prakriti must involve not only uncovering the truth behind her death but also ensuring that no other student has to endure a similar fate in the future. The incident should serve as a wake-up call for institutions everywhere to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students over institutional reputation and convenience.
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