KIIT
Nepali student's death in KIIT: Private institute apologises, removes staffers amid tension
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in the east Indian state of Odisha has suspended three employees, including two hostel staffers, for allegedly misbehaving with Nepali students and evicting them from the campus during the recent protests over the suspected suicide of a Btech student from Nepal.
The institute informed two security staffers were also fired from their service.
The private university's Vice Chancellor Prof Saranjit Singh, meanwhile, apologised for the manner in which the students were handled by authorities.
“We are extremely appalled by the untoward incident that took place on our campus on the evening of 16th February 2025. We are also regretful of the way some of us behaved towards the agitating students," read the letter of apology issued by the vice chancellor's office.
"The comments made by two of our officers are extremely irresponsible. We have removed them from service," the letter said.
A dedicated control room is open 24×7 at KIIT Campus 6 to facilitate the return of Nepali students to the KIIT campus. Additionally, a 24×7 helpline [+91 7847064550 & +91 7855029322] has been set up to provide support and guidance. We urge all Nepali students to reach out for any…
— KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 17, 2025
He urged Nepali students to join classes immediately.
What happened on Sunday?
A third-year Btech student from Nepal, who was identified as Prakriti Lamsal, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday, triggering massive protests by Nepali students present in the campus.
Tension escalated further when university authorities tried to forcibly evict some of the protesting students.
The student alleged that Lamsal had complained about the harassment she faced from her batchmate.
Police have reportedly detained one of her batchmates.
What did Nepali PM say?
Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli said the country's Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel students in the institute.
Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha.
— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) February 17, 2025
Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference. #Nepal #Odisha
He wrote on X: "Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha."
He further said: "Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference. #Nepal #Odisha."
Indian Embassy in Nepal urges students to return to their campus
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu expressed sadness over the death of the student at the private institute in Odisha.
"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 Embassy said in a statement.
"The Embassy has been in touch with the authorities of KIIT as well as the Odisha State Government. The Embassy has been informed that the local authorities have initiated an investigation into the unfortunate incident," the Embassy said.
The Embassy further said: "Nepali students studying in India form an important facet of the enduring people to people links between the two countries. The Government of India will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of the Nepali students in India."
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