Mon Feb 17 16:22:35 UTC 2025: ## Nepali Student’s Death Sparks Protest and Eviction at KIIT University in Odisha

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha, February 17, 2025** – A third-year BTech student from Nepal, Prakriti Lamsal, was found dead in her hostel room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) yesterday, sparking protests and the controversial eviction of dozens of Nepali students. Authorities have confirmed Lamsal died by suicide.

Following her death, allegations emerged suggesting Lamsal was being harassed and blackmailed by a male student at the university. Her cousin filed a complaint to this effect, and similar claims were made in a statement released by KIIT. Police have arrested a male student, currently under interrogation, on suspicion of abetting suicide. His mobile phone, laptop, and other electronic devices have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

Last night, dozens of Nepali students staged a protest on campus, following which they claim they were forcibly evicted from their hostels. Videos and witness accounts describe a forceful removal, with some students alleging physical altercations with security personnel. The university initially issued a notice ordering all Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately. However, this was later retracted with an appeal for them to return.

Students recount being forced onto buses and dropped at Cuttack Railway Station without sufficient resources, leaving them stranded and without food or confirmed travel arrangements. Anil Prasad Yadav and Rajan Gupta, two of the affected students, detailed the events to reporters, highlighting their helplessness and the lack of support received.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has confirmed his government is engaging with Indian authorities to address the situation diplomatically. Meanwhile, Odisha police have deployed additional personnel to maintain order on campus, and KIIT officials claim the situation has been restored to normalcy. The deceased student’s room has been sealed, and her body is being held in the mortuary pending release to her family.

The incident has raised serious questions about student safety and the handling of the aftermath at KIIT. Investigations are continuing into both the death of Prakriti Lamsal and the subsequent treatment of Nepali students on campus. The university has not yet addressed allegations of excessive force used by security personnel.

**[Include helpline numbers from the original text here]**

Read More