Tension at KIIT Campus After Nepali Student’s Suicide
Protest and Eviction of Nepali Students
Last night, dozens of Nepali students gathered to protest the tragic suicide of a fellow student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The protest led to heightened tensions on campus, and the students claimed they were forced to leave the university premises shortly after. KIIT Student’s Tragic Death: Protests Erupt
Student Suicide Sparks Outrage
The incident began when Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room. Authorities confirmed that she died by suicide. Social media posts and a complaint filed by her cousin suggest that Prakriti was being harassed and blackmailed by a male student, allegedly her ex-boyfriend, which may have driven her to take such a drastic step. KIIT Student’s Tragic Death: Protests Erupt
University and Police Respond
KIIT released a statement acknowledging the suicide and mentioning that Prakriti was possibly in a relationship with another student, which might have contributed to her decision. The police have registered a case against the accused male student, who is now in custody. Investigators have seized Prakriti’s mobile phone, laptop, and other devices for further examination.
Campus Tensions and Police Deployment
The protest by Nepali students led to unrest on campus, prompting the university to call in police to maintain order. Two platoons of police personnel were deployed, and the university asked all Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately. Many students were reportedly packed into buses and sent to the Cuttack Railway Station early this morning.
Conflicting Statements from KIIT
While a notice circulated on social media stated that the university was closed indefinitely for all Nepali students, a subsequent release urged them to return to campus and resume classes. The university claimed it was working to restore normalcy and resume academic activities. KIIT Student’s Tragic Death: Protests Erupt
Students Speak Out
Nepali students shared their distress with reporters. Anil Prasad Yadav, one of the students, said they were given only an hour to pack and leave the hostel. Another student, Rajan Gupta, alleged that staff members physically forced them to vacate and even hit those who were slow to comply. Many students expressed confusion and hardship, as they were left without food or proper arrangements for their travel. KIIT Student’s Tragic Death: Protests Erupt
Nepal Government Steps In
Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, has taken note of the incident and assured that his government is addressing the issue through diplomatic channels. He stated that they are in touch with Indian authorities to ensure the safety and rights of Nepali students.
Campus Situation Under Control
Police have sealed Prakriti’s hostel room and placed her body in the mortuary, awaiting her parents’ arrival. The university claims that the campus is now calm, but reports suggest that private security guards are preventing students from other states from leaving their hostels. A viral video allegedly shows clashes between students and guards, though this has not been verified. University officials have declined to comment on these allegations.
Additional Information
This tragic incident highlights the need for better mental health support and conflict resolution mechanisms in educational institutions. It also raises concerns about the treatment of international students and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being. Universities must take proactive steps to address harassment and provide a supportive environment for all students.
Conclusion
The tragic suicide of Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT has not only shaken the campus but also raised serious questions about the safety and well-being of students, especially international ones. The incident underscores the urgent need for educational institutions to prioritize mental health support and create robust systems to address harassment and bullying. The allegations of blackmail and harassment leading to Prakriti’s death are deeply concerning and highlight the importance of holding individuals accountable for such actions.
The way the university handled the aftermath—evicting Nepali students and creating an atmosphere of fear—has further exacerbated the situation. While maintaining law and order is crucial, the forceful removal of students without proper arrangements reflects a lack of empathy and responsibility. The conflicting statements from KIIT about whether Nepali students should return or stay away only add to the confusion and mistrust.
From my perspective, this incident is a wake-up call for universities to reevaluate their policies regarding student safety, mental health, and conflict resolution. Institutions must foster an environment where students feel safe to report issues without fear of retaliation. Additionally, governments and diplomatic channels should work together to ensure the rights and dignity of international students are protected.
Ultimately, Prakriti’s death should not be in vain. It should serve as a catalyst for change, prompting universities to implement stronger support systems and ensure that no student feels isolated or helpless. Let this tragedy remind us of the importance of compassion, accountability, and the need to create a safer, more inclusive academic environment for all.
