KATHMANDU: Tensions escalated at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, after a Nepali student was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a hostel.
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech CSE student from Butwal, was discovered dead at the hostel’s QCFO building around 4 PM on Sunday. The university has over 1,500 Nepali students.
Following her death, around 700 Nepali students staged protests demanding an investigation. However, the university forcibly removed them from the hostel, deployed police, and reportedly resorted to baton charges.
Eyewitnesses claim the university administration acted suspiciously, initially citing suicide but later concealing the body. The students alleged that authorities did not allow them to see Prakriti’s remains before declaring her dead at the university hospital.
Amid protests, students also raised concerns over a male individual allegedly harassing Prakriti before her death, based on messages circulated in WhatsApp groups.
The university administration responded with threats, warning students of expulsion and academic failure if they continued protesting. Despite the warnings, students demonstrated overnight, leading to their forced eviction.
Currently, over 700 Nepali students have been left stranded at railway stations and bus parks in Bhubaneshwar. Many reported being physically assaulted, verbally abused, and having their phones confiscated to delete photos and videos.
Despite informing the Nepali embassy in Delhi, students claim they have received no assistance.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed concern over the situation, stating that diplomatic efforts are underway to address the issue.
“The government is actively looking into reports of a Nepali student’s death at KIIT University and the subsequent forced eviction of Nepali students,” said Oli. “We are engaging through diplomatic channels to ensure their safety.”
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