Diplomatic row erupts as KIIT evicts 500 Nepali students for protests over suicide

The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, on Monday, February 17, witnessed an uproar after more than 500 Nepali students were forced to leave the campus of the institute, following the alleged suicide of a Nepali female student identified as Prakriti Lamsal. The incident not only sparked student protests but also escalated into a diplomatic issue, drawing the attention of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

"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,” said Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli.

Following the furore, the Higher Education Minister of Odisha Suryabanshi Suraj said that KIIT has revoked the eviction order, and appealed to the Nepali students to return to the campus and resume their studies. 

Terming the forceful eviction of Nepali students an unfortunate incident, Suraj informed the media that the Odisha government has sent special buses to railway stations in Cuttack and other places in order to bring back the Nepal-origin students to the University in Bhubaneswar. 

“India has a deep relationship with Nepal. Odisha too has a long-standing relationship with Nepal through Lord Jagannath. Whatever occurred in Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) is very tragic, and we are expressing our condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased student,” said Suraj.

The minister also noted that the state government is taking all steps to ensure that the students don’t face any harassment by the university authorities in future as well. He said that the state home department immediately swung into action after the incident came to notice and ensured the arrest of the accused.

According to reports, Prakriti Lamsal, a BTech (Computer Science) student at KIIT, allegedly died by suicide following a dispute with her estranged boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, a BTech (Mechanical) student. Police launched an immediate investigation, seizing the accused’s diary, laptop, and mobile phone. Shrivastava, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, was arrested at Bhubaneswar Airport while attempting to flee the city.

Following the incident, Nepali students staged protests on campus on the night of February 16, demanding justice and transparency from the administration. Their agitation continued the next morning with a road blockade at the university premises. However, instead of addressing their concerns, KIIT authorities responded by issuing a sine die order, directing all Nepali students to leave campus immediately. Some students were reportedly forced onto university buses and taken to railway stations in Cuttack.

Facing public backlash, KIIT issued a statement attempting to defuse tensions. “An unfortunate incident took place on campus. The police have taken swift action, and the accused has been apprehended. The university has made every effort to restore normalcy in the hostels and academic spaces. We appeal to all our Nepali students to return to campus and resume their studies,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media showed university officials allegedly engaging in heated arguments with Nepali students, further fueling anger over the handling of the situation.

If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.

Tamil Nadu

State health department's suicide helpline: 104

Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)

Andhra Pradesh

Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930

Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584

Karnataka

Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222

Kerala

Maithri: 0484 2540530

Chaithram: 0484 2361161

Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.

Telangana

State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104

Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200

SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm

Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.

24x7 Helpline: 9820466726

Click here for working helplines across India.

(With IANS inputs)