BHUBANESWAR – The heartbreaking demise of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at KIIT University, has triggered a wave of protests, allegations of mistreatment, and a tense standoff between India and Nepal. Lamsal, a third-year BTech scholar, reportedly ended her life following persistent harassment by her former partner.
The university’s response escalated tensions, as demonstrators seeking justice were met with force, and Nepalese students were abruptly ordered to vacate their hostels. Shocking footage of their eviction spread rapidly online, prompting Nepal’s Prime Minister to dispatch officials for their assistance.
Further igniting anger, a viral clip captured two faculty members making offensive statements about Nepalese students, intensifying diplomatic friction. Though KIIT later withdrew its eviction directive and expressed regret, most affected students had already left.
Authorities apprehended Advik Srivastava, the alleged harasser, alongside five university staff. However, the employees secured bail on the same day, fueling further outrage. Students who initially staged protests found themselves under surveillance, leading to a dwindling movement. Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal activists stormed the campus, burning an effigy of KIIT’s founder in protest.
This controversy has significantly tarnished India’s reputation as a welcoming hub for foreign scholars. The tragedy raises serious concerns over student welfare, institutional accountability, and the treatment of international students in the country.
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#JusticeForPrakriti #StudentRights #StopHarassment #DiplomaticRow