Recent Updates on the Case
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has revealed alarming findings in its investigation into the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at KIIT University in Odisha. Their on-spot inquiry confirmed that Prakriti faced harassment, which allegedly contributed to her tragic demise on February 16, 2025. Additionally, the investigation unveiled institutional negligence, particularly on the part of the university’s International Relations Office (IRO), which failed to act on her complaints.
The NHRC’s probe also brought to light disturbing reports of mistreatment of Nepali students who protested after her death. Protesters alleged verbal abuse, threats, and even physical assaults by university officials and security personnel. Some students were evicted from their hostels without proper arrangements for their return home. The NHRC has recommended strict action against those responsible for these actions.
In response, the Odisha government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the broader institutional failures and ensure accountability. Meanwhile, ten individuals, including university staff members, have been arrested on charges ranging from abetment to misconduct during protests. Both the Nepalese Embassy and civil society groups are closely monitoring the situation, demanding justice for Prakriti and systemic reforms for student safety.
Background of the Case
Prakriti Lamsal was a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal studying at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. On February 16, she was found dead in her hostel room in what was initially reported as a suicide. However, her friends and peers soon alleged that she had been the victim of relentless harassment and blackmail by a fellow student, who was subsequently arrested. These allegations shifted the narrative, raising questions about the university’s role in addressing her grievances.
The incident sparked outrage among Nepalese students and the broader Nepali community, both in India and abroad. Protests erupted on the KIIT campus, where students demanded accountability from the university. The protests were met with resistance, with reports of intimidation and even violence against those speaking out.
As the case gained attention, the Nepalese Embassy intervened, urging the Odisha government to ensure a transparent investigation and better protections for Nepali students studying in India. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also stepped in, launching an independent inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding her death and the subsequent treatment of protesting students.
Prakriti’s death has raised larger questions about the safety and mental well-being of international students in India, highlighting systemic issues in addressing harassment, mental health concerns, and institutional accountability. Her case has become a symbol of the need for justice and change, resonating far beyond the confines of KIIT University.
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