Monday | 18 Feb 2025
Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, on Monday, February 17, officially addressed the tragic death of a Nepali student at the hostel of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India. He also acknowledged reports of other Nepali students facing forceful eviction from the university premises. The incident has raised concerns among the Nepali government and the affected students’ families.
According to a report by the news agency ANI, PM Oli assured that the Nepali government is actively engaged in resolving the issue through diplomatic channels. He emphasized that the government is in communication with Indian authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the student’s death and to address the concerns regarding the treatment of Nepali students at the university. The Prime Minister reiterated Nepal’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of its citizens abroad, stating that the government will take all necessary steps to provide support and justice for the affected students.
This incident has sparked reactions in Nepal, with many calling for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the alleged forced evictions. The Nepali Embassy in India is also closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance.
PM KP Sharma Oli says ‘Working on this’
Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, on Monday, February 17, addressed the tragic death of a Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India, and the distressing situation faced by other Nepali students on campus. The Prime Minister acknowledged the incident and assured that the Nepali government is actively working through diplomatic channels to resolve the matter.
“The government is working on this matter through diplomatic channels and is in contact with the relevant authorities,” PM Oli stated, as cited by the news agency ANI.
According to the police, a third-year B.Tech student from the private engineering institute allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room, leading to unrest within the university premises. Following the tragic incident, concerns arose regarding the treatment of Nepali students at KIIT, with reports of some being forcefully evicted from their hostels.
To address the situation and support affected students, PM Oli announced that the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi had dispatched two officers to KIIT University to provide counseling and assistance. “Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha. Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference,” PM Oli wrote on X.
Later, the Nepal Embassy in India also issued an official statement, expressing its deep sorrow over the tragic loss. “Embassy of India, Kathmandu, is deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” the statement read.
As the Nepali government continues to monitor the situation, officials are in communication with Indian authorities to ensure a fair investigation into the student’s death and to address any concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Nepali students studying in India.
Nepali B.Tech Student Found Dead in KIIT
Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, on Monday, February 17, addressed the tragic death of a Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India. He acknowledged the incident and assured that the Nepali government is actively working through diplomatic channels to resolve the matter and support affected students.
“The government is working on this matter through diplomatic channels and is in contact with the relevant authorities,” PM Oli stated, as cited by the news agency ANI.
According to a report by PTI, Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student, allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room. Her cousin filed a complaint in Bhubaneswar, alleging that she had taken the extreme step due to blackmail by a male student. Following the incident, the college released a statement confirming her death and mentioning that she was reportedly in a relationship with another student at KIIT. The institution suggested that the suicide may have been linked to personal reasons.
Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pinak Mishra told PTI that an investigation is underway. “We have registered a case at Infocity Police Station based on the allegation that a male student abetted her suicide. The accused student is in police custody and subjected to interrogation. The police have seized the mobile phone, laptop, and other gadgets of the deceased woman. We are undertaking a scientific investigation into the matter,” he stated.
The incident has sparked protests among the Nepali student community in KIIT. On Sunday night, several students from Nepal staged a demonstration on campus, demanding justice for Lamsal and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of her death.
In response to the growing concerns, PM Oli announced that the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi had dispatched two officers to KIIT University to counsel and assist Nepali students. “Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha. Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference,” he wrote on X.
The Nepal Embassy in India also released a statement expressing its condolences. “The Embassy of India, Kathmandu, is deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Embassy extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” the statement read.
As investigations continue, both Nepali and Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with assurances that all necessary measures will be taken to uncover the truth behind Lamsal’s death and ensure justice for her and her family.
Nepali Students ‘forcibly’ evicted?
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University informed that Nepali students residing on campus have been sent back home following the escalating tensions after the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal. The university claimed that this decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the students amid growing unrest. However, some Nepali students alleged that they were forcibly evicted from their hostels without adequate prior notice.
According to reports, several Nepali students were taken to the Cuttack Railway Station on Monday, raising concerns about their sudden displacement. One of the affected students, speaking to PTI, stated, “We were told to vacate our hostel rooms and were dropped at the railway station. We had to appear for examinations on February 28, but now we don’t know what will happen.” The abrupt removal of students has sparked criticism, with many questioning the university’s handling of the situation.
Meanwhile, the authorities have sealed the hostel room where Lamsal was found and have kept her body at the mortuary until her parents arrive in India. “The police have sealed the deceased girl’s room and kept the body at the mortuary till the arrival of her parents,” a university official informed PTI.
The eviction of Nepali students has further intensified the controversy surrounding the incident, with student groups and activists calling for a more transparent and empathetic approach. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the deceased student while addressing the concerns of those affected by the sudden evacuation.