The recent death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old student from Nepal at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has sent shockwaves across India and Nepal. The incident, which took place on February 16, 2025, has raised serious concerns about student safety, institutional accountability, and the treatment of international students in Indian universities.
Incident
Prakriti was found dead in her hostel room under circumstances that remain under investigation. Her sudden passing has not only caused deep grief among her family and friends but has also led to an outcry among the student community. Allegations have emerged that Prakriti faced persistent harassment and emotional blackmail from an Indian batchmate, adding a disturbing dimension to the tragedy.
The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear, leading to numerous speculations. Some students claim that she had been under tremendous psychological pressure in the weeks leading up to her death. Reports suggest that Prakriti had reached out to authorities regarding her distress, but her complaints were allegedly ignored. If these claims hold true, they highlight a disturbing neglect by institutional authorities in ensuring the mental well-being of students.
Additionally, her friends have pointed out that Prakriti was a dedicated student, focused on her academics and personal growth. The news of her sudden passing has led to candlelight vigils, protests, and widespread demands for a transparent investigation.
Allegations of Harassment
Reports suggest that Prakriti had been subjected to mental and emotional harassment, which she had reportedly complained about previously. Despite these complaints, there appears to have been no significant action taken by the university administration to address her distress. Her father, Sunil Lamsal, has voiced his anguish over the incident, stating that he had entrusted the institution with his daughter’s education and well-being, only to face a heartbreaking loss.
This incident has reignited discussions about the safety of female students in Indian educational institutions. Many activists and student organizations have questioned the failure of KIIT to create a secure environment for international students. Furthermore, questions have been raised about whether a culture of ignorance toward complaints of mental abuse and harassment exists within the university.
Her friends have come forward with claims that Prakriti often spoke about feeling isolated and targeted. According to them, the individual responsible for the harassment used emotional blackmail to manipulate her, affecting her mental health. If proven true, these allegations emphasize the urgent need for stricter anti-harassment policies in colleges.
University’s Response and Controversy
Following the incident, KIIT issued a directive for all Nepali students to vacate the hostels immediately. This decision led to widespread distress among students, many of whom struggled to find alternative accommodations. The backlash prompted the university to retract its order and apologize, urging students to return and assuring them of support. However, the damage to trust had already been done.
In an attempt to address the situation, KIIT suspended two senior hostel officials, two security staff members, and a senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office. The university administration has since expressed deep regret over the incident and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all students.
Critics argue that these actions are merely reactive rather than proactive. Many have demanded a complete overhaul of the university’s approach toward handling complaints related to mental distress, bullying, and harassment. The initial response from KIIT in ordering Nepali students to vacate has further fueled anger and resentment within the student body.
Legal and Political Fallout
The case has not only led to protests within the campus but has also drawn attention at diplomatic and political levels. Discussions about the incident have taken place in both the Nepalese and Odisha state parliaments. Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, has assured that his government is taking up the matter diplomatically with India, while the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has been in touch with authorities in Odisha.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s local law enforcement has arrested a student in connection with Prakriti’s death. A high-level fact-finding committee has been set up to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, with assurances from the state government of an impartial and transparent inquiry.
Diplomatic tensions between India and Nepal have also surfaced following the incident. Various Nepali student organizations and politicians have condemned the handling of the case, urging stronger protections for Nepali students studying abroad.
Demands for Justice
Prakriti’s death has reignited debates about the safety of international students in India and the responsibility of universities in preventing such tragedies. Students and activists are demanding justice for Prakriti, stricter regulations against harassment, and greater accountability from educational institutions in handling complaints of mental distress and abuse.
The demand for justice has extended beyond the campus of KIIT. Student-led protests and social media campaigns have been calling for reforms in institutional policies to ensure that cases of harassment and distress are taken seriously. Some organizations have even suggested the creation of an independent student ombudsman to handle complaints fairly and promptly.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation continues, multiple questions remain unanswered. Who is responsible for Prakriti’s suffering? Did the university fail to provide adequate mental health support? Were warning signs ignored? The police and fact-finding committee are expected to release their preliminary report soon, which will determine the next course of legal action.
Authorities are also looking into the role of the accused student, any supporting evidence, and whether institutional negligence played a part. Legal experts suggest that depending on the findings, charges under Sections 306 (abetment of suicide) and 108 (instigation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) could be imposed.
Student Protests and Teacher Responses
The student community has been actively protesting, demanding transparency and accountability from the institution. Many teachers and faculty members have remained silent, fearing administrative backlash. However, some faculty members have expressed concerns about student welfare and emphasized the need for better counseling services on campus.iWith th international attention on the case, educational institutions across India may be forced to reassess their policies on student safety and mental health. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether justice is served for Prakriti Lamsal and whether substantial changes will be made to protect students from similar tragedies in the future.