The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, has sent shockwaves across the student community and beyond. Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, reportedly having hanged herself. Following her death, a wave of anger and grief spread among the university’s Nepali students, who staged intense protests demanding justice and accountability from the administration. The situation escalated as students accused the university of negligence and insensitivity in handling the case. In response, the KIIT administration declared an indefinite closure of the university and ordered students to vacate hostels immediately, further fueling the outrage.
Amid mounting pressure and public outcry, Bhubaneswar police launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of five individuals—three university officials and two security guards—on Tuesday. The police report, which played a crucial role in these arrests, detailed disturbing allegations regarding the use of excessive force against protesting students. Witnesses claimed that security personnel not only verbally abused them but also physically assaulted several students, leaving some injured. The two arrested security guards have been identified as Ramakanta Nayak and Jogendra Behera, while the names of the three detained university officials have not yet been officially disclosed. They have been booked under various sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Lamsal’s untimely demise has sparked serious concerns about student safety, the mental health support system in universities, and the treatment of international students in India. Many students have raised questions about whether there were signs of distress that went unnoticed or ignored by the administration. The case has also reignited the debate on the need for stricter guidelines and oversight regarding mental health support, grievance redressal mechanisms, and student welfare policies in educational institutions.
Meanwhile, authorities have assured a fair investigation into the matter. The Nepali student community at KIIT, along with various student organizations and activists, continues to demand justice for Lamsal, seeking a thorough probe into whether institutional lapses contributed to her tragic end. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the university, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers address these pressing concerns to prevent such incidents in the future.
