KIIT launches scholarship in memory of Nepalese student amid backlash: Appealed to students to return to University, says police

The KIIT suicide case has led to diplomatic concerns between Nepal and India as the Nepalese government warned that it might reconsider sending students to Indian institutions if justice is not served

Prateek Shukla, BS, New Delhi, Feb 20 2025 : Facing backlash, Bhubaneswar-based Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has announced a scholarship in memory of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepalese student who was found dead in her hostel room on February 16. Her death, suspected to be a suicide, led to protests on campus. The scholarship was announced by KIIT's founder, Achyuta Samanta, who met Prakriti's family to offer condolences.

 

KIIT has also been working to support Nepalese students on campus. The development comes after officials from Nepal’s Embassy in New Delhi visited the university to assure students of their safety. Many students who had left the campus after the incident have started returning.

 

KIIT suicide row: What happened?

 

Prakriti Lamsal was a third-year BTech Computer Science student at KIIT. She allegedly took her own life after being harassed by a 21-year-old mechanical engineering student, Advik Srivastava, from the same institute. The accused, who is said to be the son of a politician in Lucknow, was arrested for abetment to suicide and placed in judicial custody.

 

Following the incident, tensions rose as some Nepalese students accused university authorities of mishandling the situation. Reports suggested that many of them were forced to leave the campus without proper notice, leading to further outrage.

KIIT suicide row: Diplomatic tensions

 

The case led to diplomatic concerns between Nepal and India as the Nepalese government warned that it might reconsider sending students to Indian institutions if justice is not served. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli intervened, sending embassy officials to ensure the safety of students. Nepalese lawmakers also raised the issue in their Parliament, demanding a fair investigation.

 

Meanwhile, in India, the matter became a political issue in Odisha’s Assembly. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the BJP clashed over allegations of improper handling of the case and KIIT’s political connections.

 

KIIT suicide row: Institution's apology

 

After backlash, KIIT apologised and took disciplinary action. Three university officials were suspended, and two security guards were dismissed for their handling of the protests. A senior official, who allegedly ignored Prakriti’s prior complaints, was also suspended.

A viral audio clip, allegedly featuring the accused staffer using derogatory language against Prakriti and her mother, fueled further protests. However, the clip’s authenticity has not been verified. Nepalese students also accused security personnel of using force against them, with videos of clashes circulating online.

 

In response to another controversy, KIIT suspended staff members who had made insensitive comments comparing the university’s budget to Nepal’s national economy. These staff members later issued public apologies.

 

KIIT suicide row: Ongoing investigation

 

The Odisha government has formed a special committee to investigate the circumstances leading to Prakriti’s death, as well as allegations of mistreatment by university officials.

 

Additionally, police arrested three university officials and two security guards for allegedly assaulting Nepalese students during the protests. Legal action is underway, and both the Indian and Nepalese governments are closely monitoring developments.

The case continues to be a major concern, with demands for justice and better protection for international students in India.

Facing backlash, Bhubaneswar-based Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has announced a scholarship in memory of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepalese student who was found dead in her hostel room on February 16. Her death, suspected to be a suicide, led to protests on campus. The scholarship was announced by KIIT's founder, Achyuta Samanta, who met Prakriti's family to offer condolences.

KIIT has also been working to support Nepalese students on campus. The development comes after officials from Nepal’s Embassy in New Delhi visited the university to assure students of their safety. Many students who had left the campus after the incident have started returning.

KIIT suicide row: What happened?

Prakriti Lamsal was a third-year BTech Computer Science student at KIIT. She allegedly took her own life after being harassed by a 21-year-old mechanical engineering student, Advik Srivastava, from the same institute. The accused, who is said to be the son of a politician in Lucknow, was arrested for abetment to suicide and placed in judicial custody.

Following the incident, tensions rose as some Nepalese students accused university authorities of mishandling the situation. Reports suggested that many of them were forced to leave the campus without proper notice, leading to further outrage.

Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh said that normalcy has persisted in the KIIT college campus as classes continue, while also appealing to the Nepali students who had left the campus to come back.

He revealed that the Police had registered a case under abetment, harassment, and leading to suicide.

"There is normalcy here. Classes are going on. We held discussions with students from Nepal. Those who have left have been appealed to return. The Nepal delegation is also in touch with them, and in due course, they will come back," the Commissioner told reporters.

The accused was arrested a few days ago, and the police have sought a 3-day remand of the person.

"A case of suicide was reported to us and the named person has been arrested and is in judicial custody. We sought a 3-day remand... The case has been registered under abetment, harassment, and leading to suicide," he said.Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu also mentioned that officials had held talks with the Nepali delegation.

"As per the direction of the state government, we visited the university campus, including the hostel, and we are visiting other areas also. We'll submit our report appropriately to the government. We have also met the Nepal delegation and held discussions with them. The state government is fully committed to take action as per law," Additional CS Sahu told reporters.

On February 16, the third-year BTech student was found dead in her hostel room, following which Nepali students staged a protest claiming that she was harassed by her fellow student and the college didn't act despite multiple complaints.

An accused student, identified by police as Advik Srivastava, was arrested on February 17 and sent to judicial custody on the same day, as per the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate.

The Odisha government's Higher Education Department opened a 24X7 dedicated helpdesk for the students of KIIT University and issued helpline numbers to ensure the safety and security of students affected by the incident.

"The Government in Higher Education Department has taken serious note of the recent unfortunate incident at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a Deemed to be University, at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a private institution, concerning the tragic death of a student and subsequent actions by the institution," the government order said.