Lagatar24 Desk
Bhubaneswar: A third-year BTech student from Nepal, Prakristi Lamsal, was found dead in her hostel room at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, triggering tension on campus. The authorities confirmed it as a case of suicide. Following the incident, several Nepalese students staged protests, after which they claimed they were forced to vacate the campus.
Allegations of Harassment and Investigation Underway
According to social media posts and complaints by the victim’s cousin, Lamsal was allegedly harassed and blackmailed by her ex-boyfriend, who was also a student at KIIT. The university’s official statement hinted at a relationship dispute as a possible reason for the suicide.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Pinak Mishra stated that a case has been registered against a male student for allegedly abetting the suicide. The accused is currently in police custody for interrogation. Authorities have also seized the victim’s mobile phone, laptop, and other personal belongings for forensic investigation.
Nepali Students Allegedly Forced to Leave Campus
Following the protest, KIIT issued a notice ordering all Nepalese students to vacate the campus immediately. They were reportedly taken in two buses and dropped at Cuttack Railway Station early Sunday morning.
“We were pushed out of our hostel overnight. The university officials gave us just an hour to pack up and leave. Many of us had no food or tickets, and we have no idea how we will get home,” said Nepalese student Anil Prasad Yadav at the railway station.
Another student, Rajan Gupta, accused the university staff of using force against those who refused to leave quickly.
Nepal Government Intervenes
Taking diplomatic notice of the incident, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that his government is in touch with Indian authorities to address concerns regarding the safety of Nepali students in India.
Campus Under Tight Security Amid Clashes
Authorities have deployed two platoons of police personnel to maintain law and order on campus. While the university claims the situation is now under control, reports suggest that students from other states were also restricted from leaving their hostels.
A viral video allegedly shows students clashing with private security guards, though university officials have declined to comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, the deceased student’s body has been kept in the mortuary for handover to her family.
