Nepali Students Urged to Return to KIIT as Tragic Death Probe Continues; Odisha Government Assures Safety

Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh has confirmed normalcy at KIIT University, urging Nepali students who had left the campus to return as the investigation into the tragic death of third-year B.Tech student Prakriti Lamsal continues.

Prakriti, a 20-year-old Nepalese student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, 2025, allegedly after harassment by fellow student Advik Srivastava. The incident sparked mass protests and led to a diplomatic row between India and Nepal.

“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,”
said Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh while addressing reporters

Investigation & Legal Developments

📌 Victim: Prakriti Lamsal, Nepalese student
📌 Incident Date: February 16, 2025
📌 Accused: Advik Srivastava (son of Uttar Pradesh Minister Manoj Srivastava)
📌 Arrest Date: February 17, 2025
📌 Legal Status: Sent to judicial custody
📌 Charges Filed: Abetment, harassment, and leading to suicide

The police have confirmed that they have registered a case under abetment, harassment, and suicide-related offenses.

“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,”
the commissioner stated

This confirms that the police are treating the case seriously, but concerns remain over potential political interference given that the accused is the son of a minister from Uttar Pradesh.

Nepal Government’s Continued Intervention

The Nepalese government remains actively involved, ensuring that Nepalese students in India receive protection.

📢 Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, has been in direct communication with Odisha’s government, demanding:

✅ A fair and transparent investigation into Prakriti Lamsal’s death.
✅ Legal action against those responsible.
✅ Safe return and continued education of Nepalese students in India.

The Nepalese delegation has also been in talks with Odisha officials, working towards ensuring the security and reintegration of students who left KIIT due to the unrest.

“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 taking action as per law,”
said Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu

KIIT’s Controversial Handling of the Situation

Following Prakriti’s death, Nepali students staged large-scale protests demanding action against KIIT’s alleged negligence in handling harassment complaints. Instead of addressing concerns, the university expelled over 500 Nepalese students, triggering further outrage.

🚨 Reports have also emerged of:

🔹 Nepalese students being beaten by security guards and faculty members during the protests.
🔹 Students being forced to sign NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) absolving the university of responsibility.
🔹 Nepalese students being told they were “doing too much” despite KIIT claiming to provide free food and accommodation for 40,000 Nepalese students.

This sparked diplomatic backlash, leading to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordering KIIT to readmit all expelled students.

Odisha Government’s 24/7 Helpdesk for Student Safety

To ensure student safety, the Odisha government has set up a 24/7 helpdesk to provide assistance to affected students and their families.

✅ Nodal Officer: Kali Prasanna Mohapatra (Director, Higher Education)
✅ Assistant: Rajata Manasingh (Deputy Director)
✅ Nine personnel working in shifts to provide round-the-clock support
✅ Four landline helplines and a dedicated WhatsApp number for real-time assistance

The Odisha government emphasized that they are committed to protecting students’ academic interests and security.

“The Government in Higher Education Department has taken serious note of the recent unfortunate incident at KIIT and has set up this helpdesk to assist students,”
stated the official government order

What Happens Next?

With normalcy returning to KIIT, the focus is now on ensuring a fair trial, securing justice for Prakriti, and protecting the rights of Nepalese students in India.

🔹 Will the investigation proceed without political interference?
🔹 Will the police’s case against Advik Srivastava hold up in court?
🔹 Will KIIT be held accountable for its handling of student safety and harassment cases?

The KIIT case has raised urgent questions about student safety in Indian universities and the treatment of international students. Both the Nepalese and Odisha governments are now under pressure to ensure justice is served.

A Wake-Up Call for University Safety Policies

This case isn’t just about one student’s tragic death—it has exposed deep flaws in how universities handle student complaints, harassment, and international student welfare.

📢 Key Questions Moving Forward:

👉 Should universities face stricter legal action for failing to protect students?
👉 How can international students be better safeguarded in Indian educational institutions?
👉 Will the justice system ensure a fair trial despite political influence?

🚨 What do you think? Should universities be held accountable for mishandling harassment complaints? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🚨