A tragic incident at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar has left students, faculty, and the wider community in shock. The alleged suicide of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, has sparked protests, arrests, and a highly controversial administrative decision.

Prakriti Lamsal

The Shocking Incident

On the evening of February 16, 2025, Prakriti Lamsal was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the university’s hostel campus. Initial reports suggest that she died by suicide, allegedly due to harassment from her boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the same university.

Following the incident, the Commissionerate Police arrested Advik Srivastava and began interrogating him regarding the circumstances that led to Prakriti lamsal’s tragic death. “We have informed the family members of the deceased. The accused has been arrested. He is being questioned. Further probe into the matter is underway,” said a police official.

Viral Audio Clip Sparks Outrage

As investigations began, an audio clip allegedly featuring a conversation between Advik and Prakriti Lamsal surfaced on social media. In the clip, a young man is reportedly heard verbally abusing and harassing a girl. The clip quickly went viral, further fueling public anger and student protests demanding justice for Prakriti.

Students Protest for Justice

Prakriti’s death led to a massive student protest outside the university entrance. Students accused the administration of ignoring Prakriti’s pleas for help. According to them, she had reported Advik’s harassment to the International Relations Office (IRO) of the university, but no action was taken. They claim that Prakriti Lamsal, unable to bear the distress any longer, took the extreme step.

“We want justice for Prakriti! She had sought help but was ignored. The university must be held accountable,” said one of the protesting students.

KIIT’s Controversial Decision: Forcing Nepali Students to Leave

Amid the turmoil, the university administration made a shocking and controversial decision. On February 17, 2025, KIIT University issued a notice directing all international students from Nepal to vacate the campus immediately.

“The university is closed sine die for all international students from Nepal. They are hereby directed to vacate the university campus immediately on 17th February 2025,” read the official notice from the Registrar’s Office.

This abrupt decision forced hundreds of Nepali students, especially those from the Mechanical Engineering Department, to pack up and leave. They were reportedly placed onto university buses and taken to Cuttack railway station, with no prior notice, no travel arrangements, and no guidance on how to reach their homes safely.

“No train tickets or any directions were given to us. We were just loaded up on buses and ordered to leave,” claimed one of the distressed students.

Chaos and Distress Among International Students

The university’s decision left many students stranded and helpless. Chaos erupted at both the university campus and the Cuttack railway station as students scrambled to make arrangements for their sudden departure. Many questioned why an entire community of students was being penalized for the actions of one individual.

“They just want to cover up their negligence. Instead of taking responsibility for what happened to Prakriti, they are punishing innocent students,” said a protestor.

A Call for Justice and Accountability

The tragedy of Prakriti Lamsal has raised serious questions about student safety, mental health support, and university accountability. The lack of response to her pleas for help, followed by the drastic removal of Nepali students, has drawn widespread criticism.

Students, activists, and international communities are now calling for:

  • A thorough investigation into Prakriti’s death and justice for her family.
  • Accountability from KIIT University for failing to support a student in distress.
  • Immediate reversal of the decision to expel Nepali students.
  • Implementation of stricter policies to prevent harassment and ensure the safety of all students, irrespective of nationality.

This heartbreaking incident has exposed serious lapses in university policies and crisis management. While justice for Prakriti remains the primary demand, the unjust treatment of Nepali students has added another layer of outrage. As authorities continue their investigation, the focus must remain on ensuring a fair, transparent, and just outcome for all those affected.

The question remains: Will Prakriti’s death bring about meaningful change, or will it be another case of injustice brushed under the carpet? Only time will tell.