Protests broke out at the Kalinga Institute of Information Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar after the alleged suicide of a 20-year-old Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, on February 16, 2025. The incident has sparked outrage among students, who claim that the university failed to act on prior reports of abuse.
Prakriti, who was found hanging in her hostel room, was reportedly on a video call with a fellow student, Advik Shrivastava, at the time of her death. Authorities have detained Shrivastava after he allegedly attempted to flee the city by air.
According to the student body, Prakriti had been subjected to continuous harassment by Shrivastava. Students allege that despite reaching out to the university’s International Relations Office for help, no action was taken. Police have called the case a clear instance of suicide, but the circumstances surrounding her death remain contentious.
The university’s response to the protests has drawn sharp criticism. Video footage circulating on social media shows college officials telling Nepali students to “pack your bags and leave,” while addressing their demands for a formal investigation.
On February 17, KIIT administration ordered all Nepali students to vacate the campus. Over 500 students were transported by university buses to various railway stations and told to return home immediately. Reports suggest that the students were not provided with train tickets or any further assistance.
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“We were forced out of our hostels without notice. Staff entered our rooms, made us pack, and even physically threatened those who did not comply quickly,” one student shared, requesting anonymity.
The university has issued a formal notice, declaring that all Nepali students must vacate the premises. The notice, titled Notice for Immediate Vacating of Campus by Nepali Students, ordered them to leave the campus by February 17, 2025.
This incident is part of a growing concern over the treatment of international students at KIIT. Sources indicate that there have been previous cases of racial discrimination, student suicides, and gendered violence that were reportedly ignored by the administration.
The missing suicide note and Prakriti’s phone, which are said to contain vital evidence, are currently in the custody of the university. Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise as protests intensify on campus, demanding justice for the late student.
KIIT has yet to comment on the accusations of mishandling the case or the alleged racial discrimination faced by international students.
