Wed Feb 19 06:08:39 UTC 2025: ## Nepali Student’s Death at Odisha University Sparks International Incident
**Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India –** The death of a Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar has escalated into a major international incident, triggering protests, arrests, and diplomatic intervention. Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old third-year B.Tech student, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday, initially ruled a suicide by police. However, allegations of harassment and subsequent mishandling of student protests by the university have sparked outrage.
A viral audio clip, allegedly featuring Lamsal and a fellow student, Advik Shrivastava, depicts verbal abuse and coercion. Shrivastava, subsequently arrested for abetment of suicide, is accused of subjecting Lamsal to physical and verbal abuse. Following the discovery of her body, Nepali students at KIIT staged protests, which were met with a forceful crackdown by university security and officials. Videos circulated on social media show students being physically assaulted and verbally abused, with some university officials making derogatory remarks about Nepal.
The university’s response further fueled the crisis. All Nepali students were ordered to leave the campus, being transported to Cuttack railway station without explanation. This action, along with the alleged violence against protestors, drew sharp criticism from the Nepalese government and sparked diplomatic talks between India and Nepal.
The Odisha government has formed a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate both Lamsal’s death and the university’s actions. Six individuals have been arrested, including Shrivastava and three senior KIIT officials, for their alleged roles in the events. KIIT has issued an apology and two officials have been dismissed, but the Nepalese government has warned it may halt issuing No Objection Certificates for students wishing to study in Odisha unless the matter is fully resolved.
Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli personally intervened, stating that the matter is being handled through diplomatic channels. The Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as “unimaginable” and is in contact with Indian authorities. The incident has also become a major political issue in Odisha, with various parties demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. The controversy highlights concerns about the safety and treatment of international students in Indian educational institutions.
First Piper 