Sat Feb 22 08:46:50 UTC 2025: ## Nepali Students Return Home After Odisha University Tragedy
**Kathmandu, Nepal – February 22, 2025** – Following the alleged suicide of a Nepalese female student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, and subsequent reported mistreatment of Nepali students, 159 students have returned to Nepal.
Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old computer science student, died on February 16th, triggering protests and accusations of inhumane treatment against the university. Returning students reported being abused and beaten by security guards, even in the presence of faculty. They cited unsafe conditions as the reason for their departure, despite assurances from the university administration.
Approximately 1,000 Nepalese students attend KIIT. Those who returned participated in a press conference in Kathmandu, demanding a thorough investigation into Lamsal’s death and justice for the affected students. Candlelight vigils and protests have been held in Nepal to show solidarity and call for accountability.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, announced that the government has addressed the situation through diplomatic channels. She confirmed discussions with Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, resulting in an apology from KIIT, disciplinary action against staff involved in the mistreatment, and the formation of a high-level investigative committee. Minister Deuba emphasized the commitment to ensuring a safe environment for Nepali students to return to their studies.
First Piper 