Nepali Student’s Suicide in Odisha Triggers Outrage and Calls for Justice

Odisha, India – February 21, 2025 – The recent suicide of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), has ignited significant unrest among students and raised diplomatic concerns between India and Nepal.

Incident Overview

Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025. Reports suggest that her tragic decision followed alleged harassment from a fellow student, Advik Srivastava. Following the incident, Srivastava was arrested and charged with abetment to suicide.

Protests Erupt

In the aftermath of Lamsal’s death, Nepali students at KIIT organized protests demanding justice and accountability for the harassment she faced. Their demonstrations were met with controversy when university authorities ordered the students to vacate the campus immediately, leading to accusations of forced eviction and mishandling of the situation.

Diplomatic Response

The incident quickly escalated into a diplomatic issue. Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli intervened, calling on the Indian government to ensure the safety of Nepali students studying in India. He expressed deep concern over the treatment of these students and urged for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lamsal’s death.

Government Action

In response to the growing unrest, the Odisha government has taken action by forming a high-level committee tasked with investigating both Lamsal’s death and the university’s response to student protests. Several university officials have been arrested as part of this investigation, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations against them.

Community Reaction

The tragic loss of Prakriti Lamsal has resonated deeply within both Nepal and India, sparking outrage among students and citizens alike. Many are calling for justice not only for Lamsal but also for improved protections against harassment for all students, particularly those studying away from home.

As investigations continue, both governments face pressure to address the underlying issues that led to this tragedy. The outcome will likely have lasting implications for educational exchanges between Nepal and India, emphasizing the need for safe and supportive environments for all international students.

The community mourns the loss of Prakriti Lamsal while demanding accountability and reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.