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What Happened?
On February 16, 2025, Prakriti Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room at KIIT University. Reports indicate that she suffered relentless harassment from her ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, who is also enrolled at the university. Despite Prakriti’s desperate attempts to seek help through the university’s international relations office, her pleas were reportedly ignored. Her cousin filed a First Information Report (FIR) alleging negligence by the authorities, a claim that has further intensified the protests on campus.
Student Protests and University Response
Following the tragic news, Nepalese and other international students mobilized rapidly, demanding justice for Prakriti and immediate reforms in the university’s policies. The protests escalated quickly, leading to confrontations between students, faculty, and police. In a controversial decision on February 17, 2025, the university issued an eviction notice targeting all Nepalese students, leaving over 500 of them stranded without proper travel arrangements. This decision was widely condemned as discriminatory and insensitive, with allegations of racist remarks made by some officials during the crisis. In response to the mounting pressure from students, parents, and diplomatic representatives, KIIT University eventually revoked the eviction notice and called for the return of the affected students. However, the damage to the university’s reputation has been profound, as critics argue that its initial inaction and subsequent mismanagement of the crisis reveal deep flaws in its student support system.
Nepal Government Intervention and Diplomatic Efforts
The Nepalese government quickly intervened in the crisis. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed profound concern over the forced eviction and the overall treatment of Nepalese students at KIIT University. In an effort to safeguard the interests of its citizens, the Nepalese government dispatched two embassy officials to provide counseling and support to the stranded students. Concurrently, diplomatic discussions have been initiated with Indian authorities to ensure that fair treatment and protection are extended to all international students. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu also expressed deep sorrow over Prakriti’s death and confirmed that it has been in continuous contact with KIIT University and Odisha state officials. The Odisha government has mandated that the university restore normalcy by welcoming back the Nepalese students and addressing the underlying issues that led to this tragic incident.
Letter of Apology from the Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU
— KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 18, 2025
KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of…
KIIT University tension | Protests reported from the varsity #KIIT #KIITUniversity #Bhubaneswar #OTV pic.twitter.com/52VKrlWEYo
— OTV (@otvnews) February 18, 2025
Conclusion and Call for Change
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal and the subsequent uproar have underscored the critical need for robust student safety protocols and responsive grievance redressal mechanisms within educational institutions. This incident highlights significant lapses in handling harassment complaints and the vulnerability of international students in a high-pressure academic environment. As investigations continue and legal proceedings move forward, there is a growing demand for comprehensive reforms to ensure a secure and inclusive campus for every student. Institutions like KIIT University must take decisive steps to rebuild trust, enforce strict anti-harassment policies, and prioritize the well-being of their diverse student community. Only by addressing these systemic issues can universities prevent future tragedies and guarantee a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all students. The unfolding events at KIIT University serve as a stark reminder that educational institutions must continuously evaluate and improve their policies to protect all students. A proactive, transparent approach is essential for fostering an environment of trust, equity, and safety on every campus. These reforms are crucial for lasting change.
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