Indian Police Arrest Main Accused in Nepali Student’s Death at KIIT University
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| Photo from Google |
February 18, Kathmandu
In a significant development, Indian police have arrested Advik Shrivastava, the primary accused in the case involving the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Additionally, two university security personnel have been detained for allegedly manhandling Nepali students during a forced evacuation of their hostels following the incident.
The tragic case revolves around the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old third-year Computer Science student at KIIT University, who reportedly died by suicide in her hostel room. According to police reports, Lamsal had allegedly faced harassment from Shrivastava, a 21-year-old third-year B.Tech (Mechanical) student. Following a formal complaint, Shrivastava was arrested on Monday and placed in judicial custody. Authorities have seized documents and electronic gadgets as part of the ongoing investigation, as stated in a press release issued by the Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneswar.
Protests and Alleged Mistreatment of Nepali Students
In the aftermath of Lamsal’s death, Nepali students at KIIT staged protests, demanding justice for their fellow student. In response, the university administration declared an indefinite closure (sine die) and ordered students to vacate their hostels. During the evacuation process, Nepali students alleged that they were manhandled by university security personnel. This led to the filing of a criminal case against two security guards, Ramakanta Nayak (45) and Jogendra Behera (25).
Many Nepali students, forced to leave their hostels, sought refuge at railway stations in Cuttack. The incident drew widespread criticism, prompting KIIT to withdraw its sine die order and appeal to Nepali students to return to their hostels. In a follow-up notice, the university expressed deep regret over the incident and announced the termination of the two security staff involved. Additionally, two senior hostel officials and a senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office (IRO) have been suspended pending a thorough inquiry.
University Apologizes, Sets Up Control Room
KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh issued a formal apology, stating, “We are extremely appalled by the untoward incident that took place on campus on February 16. We are also regretful of the way some of our staff behaved with the agitating students. The comments made by two of our officers were extremely irresponsible and do not reflect the values of our institution.”
The university has set up a dedicated control room to assist Nepali students in returning to their hostels. Students have been urged to contact +918114380770 for assistance.
Diplomatic Response and Calls for Justice
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu expressed deep sorrow over Lamsal’s death and extended condolences to her family. In a press release, the embassy assured that it was in close coordination with KIIT authorities and the Odisha state government regarding the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Embassy in India requested KIIT University to arrange safe accommodations for affected students. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the issue on social media platform ‘X,’ confirming that two officers from the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi had been dispatched to counsel students and ensure their safety. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba also stated that Nepal’s Foreign Ministry had launched immediate diplomatic initiatives regarding the incident.
Calls for a Thorough Investigation
The death of Prakriti Lamsal has sparked outrage in Nepal, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. During a National Assembly session, Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal urged the government to take diplomatic action. Several lawmakers, including Radheshyam Paswan, Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Mohammad Khalid, Tula Prasad Bishwakarma, and Tulasa Kumari Dahal, demanded a serious probe into the case and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Nepali students studying in India.
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal and the subsequent events at KIIT University have highlighted the need for greater accountability and sensitivity in handling such incidents. While the arrest of the main accused and the university’s apology are steps in the right direction, a comprehensive investigation and diplomatic efforts are essential to ensure justice for Lamsal and the safety of Nepali students abroad.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for international students, who often face unique challenges while pursuing their education far from home.
