Tue Feb 18 20:19:49 UTC 2025: ## Over 500 Nepali Students Evicted from KIIT University After Student’s Death Sparks Protest

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India –** A major controversy erupted at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar following the death of a Nepali student, sparking protests and the subsequent eviction of over 500 Nepali students from the campus.

Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old B.Tech student, was found dead in her hostel room, leading to allegations of suicide. Student protests over her death and alleged mistreatment by university authorities escalated, culminating in the university’s decision to forcibly remove all Nepali students from the campus on Monday and drop them off at Cuttack railway station, 30 km away. A notice declared the university closed “sine die” for Nepali students.

The Odisha government responded swiftly by forming a three-member committee to investigate the student’s death, the alleged actions of KIIT authorities, and the mass eviction. The government has ordered KIIT to locate the displaced students, provide counseling, and facilitate their return to campus. Police have registered two cases: one related to Lamsal’s death and another concerning alleged assault of protesting students by university security personnel.

The incident has caused a state-wide outcry, with members of the Odisha Assembly demanding action against KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta. The State Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, confirmed that some KIIT officials have been suspended and expressed concern over the university’s actions, particularly the targeting of Nepali students and the lack of consultation with the Higher Education Department. By Tuesday evening, around 100 students had returned to campus, while hundreds remained scattered across Odisha and elsewhere.

The Nepal government has issued a strong statement, expressing concern and threatening to halt the issuance of no-objection certificates for students wishing to study in Odisha if the situation is not resolved appropriately. The Nepali Ministry of Education is engaging in diplomatic efforts to ensure a safe environment for Nepali students studying in India. KIIT has been instructed to provide hourly updates on the situation and ensure the safe return and support of all affected students.

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