Tue Feb 18 18:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Nepali Student’s Suicide at KIIT Sparks Outcry, Arrests Made

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha –** The alleged suicide of a 20-year-old Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar has sparked widespread outrage and protests. Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday. The incident led to unrest on campus, with students protesting alleged mistreatment by university security personnel.

Following the incident, police arrested two security guards, Ramakanta Nayak and Jogendra Behera, on charges of wrongful restraint, obscene acts, and causing hurt after a video surfaced showing them assaulting protesting students. Two women officials from KIIT, Janati Nath and Manjusha Pande, also issued a public apology after facing accusations of insulting Nepali students.

The victim’s father, Sunil Lamsal, arrived in Bhubaneswar to receive his daughter’s body after a post-mortem. He expressed concerns about the safety of international students at KIIT, alleging that Nepali students were forcibly evicted from the hostel and left at a railway station. He stated that KIIT had assured safety and security but failed to deliver.

The Odisha government responded by forming a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate the incident, the alleged mistreatment of Nepali students, and KIIT’s failure to inform authorities. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj stated that the institute has been placed under notice and appropriate action will be taken based on the committee’s findings. He also confirmed that the government is working to return the evicted students.

The incident was raised in the Odisha Assembly, with members from various parties expressing concern and demanding action. Congress called for a judicial inquiry, while BJP demanded the arrest of KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta. The incident also prompted a response from Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, who stated that his government is working through diplomatic channels to address the situation. Two Nepali embassy officials are expected to visit KIIT. The incident has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally, casting a shadow over KIIT and raising serious questions about the safety and well-being of international students in Odisha.

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