Nepali Student found dead at KIIT University

An Indian student reportedly harassed Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student, leading her to take her own life on Sunday at KIIT.

According to fellow Nepali students, the university management did nothing to stop the offender in spite of prior accusations.

Since the university expelled over 500 Nepali students and transported them to the railway terminals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, they remain stuck because the next train to Nepal isn’t scheduled until Thursday.

Nepali Student Protests for justice

Nepali students peacefully protested for justice after Lamsal’s death. However, the university administration told them to leave the dorms rather than listening to their complaints. 

A protesting Nepali student told the Kantipur daily, “We were peacefully demanding justice for Prakriti, but instead of listening to us, they forced us out.” “Security guards beat people who wouldn’t leave.”

Concerning the safety of Nepali students, the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi has contacted the university’s management. Surendra Thapa, the embassy’s deputy head of mission, stated, “As soon as we were informed of the incident, we contacted the university officials and urged them to ensure the safety of Nepali students.”

Lamsal’s classmates strongly rejected KIIT’s explanation, which implied a connection between her death and a romantic relationship. Another student at the protest stated, “This is about institutional negligence and harassment, not about a personal matter.”

KIIT suspends five staff in connection with the student’s death

Police have launched an investigation at KIIT and have taken the student accused of harassing the victim into custody.

KIIT has taken strict action following the tragic death of a third-year BTech student from Nepal on February 16. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the university expressed deep regret over the incident.

As part of the response, the university immediately terminated two security personnel and suspended two senior hostel officials and a senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office (IRO) pending a thorough investigation.

The university also mentioned that staff members have been actively reaching out to students, urging them to return to campus as soon as possible.

The institution has shut Lamsal’s room and increased security. Her relatives are currently en route to India. There are apparently more than 800 Nepali students registered at KIIT, India.

The university issued a supersession notice in the interim, allowing Nepali students who wish to stay at the university residence hall to do so.