Wed Feb 19 20:33:00 UTC 2025: ## Nepalese Foreign Minister Demands Impartial Probe into Student’s Death in Odisha

**BHUBANESWAR/KATHMANDU, February 20, 2025** – Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged Odisha’s Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj to launch an impartial investigation into the death of a Nepalese student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha. Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old computer science student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16th, allegedly by suicide, sparking protests.

Minister Deuba, in a phone call with her Indian counterpart, requested a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety and resumption of studies for the approximately 1,000 Nepalese students enrolled at KIIT. She also expressed concern over reports that 95 Nepalese students had been expelled from the university and subsequently returned to Nepal.

In response, Minister Suraj assured Minister Deuba that the Odisha government is taking the matter seriously. A high-level probe committee has been established to investigate Lamsal’s death and ensure the safety of other Nepalese students. The Odisha government has also set up a 24/7 help desk to support affected students, facilitate their return to the university, and address their concerns. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu confirmed the establishment of this help desk.

Meanwhile, KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta announced a scholarship in Lamsal’s memory, after meeting with her father and uncle to offer condolences. The incident has prompted ongoing communication between officials from both Nepal and India.

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