In a tragic incident that has sparked widespread controversy and protests, a Nepalese student, Prakriti Lamshal, took her own life on February 16, 2025, in the KIIT College (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding harassment, institutional negligence, and the handling of student complaints. Here’s a breakdown of the events and the ongoing developments.
Incident Overview
Prakriti Lamshal, a third-year BTech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room at KIIT College. According to initial reports, her tragic death was a result of suicide. The incident has led to heated protests by Nepali students and raised diplomatic concerns, with even Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli stepping into the issue.
Prakriti, who was only 20 years old, had reportedly been facing continuous harassment by a fellow student, Advik Srivastava, a 21-year-old from Lucknow. Allegations suggest that Srivastava had been blackmailing Prakriti, and this was a key factor behind her decision to end her life. According to Prakriti’s relatives, particularly her cousin, Siddhant, she had filed a complaint with the university’s International Relations Office about the harassment, but no action was taken by the authorities.
Protests and Public Outrage
The news of Prakriti’s death led to widespread protests by Nepali students at KIIT College. Around 500 Nepali students voiced their anger over the handling of the incident, accusing the university of ignoring complaints and mishandling the situation. The protests intensified, with students demanding justice and accountability from both the university and the authorities.
The situation escalated when it was reported that the university had attempted to evict Nepali students from the campus in an effort to control the protests. Students were allegedly forced into buses and dropped off at a railway station, with some students claiming they were not provided with tickets or the necessary support. These actions angered students further, who felt that the university was exacerbating the situation rather than addressing it.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the protests and mounting pressure, the Odisha Police arrested Advik Srivastava in connection with Prakriti’s death. Srivastava has been charged under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with abetment of suicide. The police have also seized Prakriti’s mobile phone and laptop for forensic examination to investigate the allegations of blackmail and harassment.
An audio clip has surfaced on social media, allegedly featuring Srivastava and Prakriti, where the conversation appears to reveal instances of abuse and blackmail. While the authenticity of the clip is still under investigation, it has fueled further outrage.
University’s Response and PM Oli’s Intervention
In the face of growing unrest, the KIIT University initially asked the Nepali students to leave the campus, but later reversed its decision under intense pressure from the students and the public. The university issued a statement urging the Nepali students to continue their studies without disruption.
Meanwhile, the Nepalese government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, intervened diplomatically, expressing serious concerns over the treatment of Nepali students and calling for immediate action. PM Oli criticized the actions of the university and demanded that the Indian government step in to ensure the safety and well-being of Nepali students. He announced that arrangements would be made for those wishing to return to Nepal or continue their education in Odisha.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal also issued a statement expressing its commitment to investigating the case and ensuring justice for Prakriti.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As investigations continue, the police are focusing on the forensic analysis of Prakriti’s phone and laptop to uncover the full extent of the harassment and blackmail. The university’s version of events, which suggests that Prakriti and Srivastava were involved in a personal dispute, is being questioned by protesting students and the victim’s family. They believe that the university’s failure to act on Prakriti’s complaints contributed to her tragic decision.
Final Thoughts
The death of Prakriti Lamshal has highlighted critical issues of student safety, institutional accountability, and harassment in Indian universities. The incident has not only affected the Nepali student community but has also raised important questions about how such cases are handled by educational institutions. With protests, investigations, and diplomatic involvement, the situation continues to unfold, and justice for Prakriti remains a pressing concern.
This case serves as a reminder that universities must take complaints of harassment seriously and provide a safe environment for all students, regardless of their nationality.
Key Takeaways:
- Prakriti Lamshal, a Nepalese student, died by suicide at KIIT College, allegedly due to harassment by a fellow student.
- Protests by Nepali students erupted, accusing the university of negligence.
- Advik Srivastava, the accused, was arrested under charges of abetment to suicide.
- Prime Minister Oli of Nepal intervened, demanding action from both the Indian government and the university.
The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have a lasting impact on student rights and safety in educational institutions.
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