The suicide of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar has sparked protests and diplomatic intervention in Nepal. Allegations of harassment and blackmail by a batchmate have further fuelled the controversy, prompting Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to send embassy officials to address the concerns of Nepali students studying in India.
A protest erupts near KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, following the tragic suicide of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal, who was allegedly harassed by a batchmate. Image Credit: @AdityaRajKaul/X.
What Happened at KIIT University?
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Prakriti Lamsal (20), a Nepali national and a third-year B.Tech (Computer Science) student at KIIT University, was found dead in her hostel room. Following her alleged suicide, social media was flooded with posts claiming that she was harassed and blackmailed by a male student, who was allegedly her ex-boyfriend.
Police Investigation & Evidence Collection
- Prakriti’s cousin Siddhant Sigdel has filed a complaint with the police, alleging that Prakriti was being blackmailed, which led her to take the step.
- Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pinak Mishra has confirmed that a scientific investigation is underway.
- Forensic teams have seized Prakriti’s laptop and mobile phone for further investigation.
Nepali Students’ Protest & University Response
- Following Prakriti’s death, Nepali students at KIIT staged protests demanding justice and a transparent investigation.
- The university administration released a statement on February 17, mentioning that she was in a relationship with another student, which may have been a contributing factor to the incident.
- Authorities have not ruled out allegations of harassment and blackmail, and investigations are ongoing.
Why Did Nepal’s Prime Minister Intervene?
- Amid rising tensions, Nepali students were reportedly asked to leave the campus, further worsening the situation.
- Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli directed the Nepali Embassy to intervene to ensure the safety and well-being of Nepali students in India.
- Embassy officials reached Bhubaneswar to counsel the students and hold talks with Indian officials regarding the matter.
Key Questions That Remain Unanswered
- Was Prakriti subjected to sustained harassment and blackmail?
- What role did the accused male student play in her distress?
- Are university authorities taking adequate measures to ensure student safety?
This heartbreaking incident has raised serious concerns about student safety and mental health support at Indian universities, especially for international students. The case has attracted widespread attention, with high-level intervention from the Nepali government putting pressure on authorities to conduct a transparent and fair investigation.
Stay tuned for further updates on the investigation.
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