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www.globalgovernanceinitiative.org
On February 16, 2025, the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, faced a tragic incident with the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old third-year B.Tech student from Nepal. This event not only led to significant unrest within the university but also attracted considerable diplomatic attention, potentially impacting the bilateral relations between India and Nepal.
**Incident Overview**
Prakriti Lamsal was found deceased in her hostel room on the evening of February 16, 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest that she died by suicide, allegedly due to harassment and blackmail by a fellow student, a 21-year-old male from Lucknow. According to an FIR filed by Lamsal’s cousin, Siddhant Sigdel, it is suspected that the accused was blackmailing Prakriti, leading her to take this extreme step. citeturn0search4
Reports indicate that Prakriti had been subjected to continuous harassment by the accused. Despite reporting his behavior to the university’s International Relations Office (IRO), the only action taken was a warning, which proved insufficient in preventing the subsequent tragedy. citeturn0search8
**University’s Initial Response**
In the immediate aftermath of Prakriti’s death, over 500 Nepali students at KIIT organized protests, blocking roads and demanding justice. The situation escalated when university authorities issued a directive instructing all Nepali students to vacate their hostels and leave the campus. This abrupt decision left many students stranded, with reports of them being forcibly removed and dropped at railway stations without proper arrangements. citeturn0search16
This action by the university was widely criticized for its insensitivity and lack of empathy. The forced eviction not only exacerbated the distress of the grieving students but also raised serious concerns about the university’s commitment to the welfare of its international students.
**Diplomatic Intervention**
The incident quickly transcended the university campus, capturing the attention of both national and international authorities. Nepal’s Prime Minister, K P Sharma Oli, intervened by dispatching two officers from the Nepalese Embassy to counsel the affected students and ensure their safety. He emphasized that students should have the option to either remain in their hostels or return home, based on their preference. citeturn0search12
In response to the diplomatic pressure and widespread criticism, KIIT’s Vice-Chancellor, Saranjit Singh, issued a public apology. She acknowledged the mishandling of the situation, particularly the insensitive comments made by two staff members, who were subsequently removed from their positions. The university also reversed its eviction order, urging Nepali students to return and resume their classes. citeturn0search11
**Arrest and Legal Proceedings**
As the investigation unfolded, Bhubaneswar police arrested the accused male student in connection with Prakriti’s death. He was apprehended near the Biju Patnaik International Airport, allegedly attempting to leave the city. The accused has been charged under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide. Authorities have also seized Prakriti’s mobile phone and laptop for forensic examination to gather further evidence. citeturn0search4
**Impact on India-Nepal Relations**
This tragic incident has the potential to influence India-Nepal relations on multiple fronts:
1. **Diplomatic Sensitivities**: The swift intervention by Nepal’s Prime Minister underscores the gravity with which Nepal views the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. Any perceived negligence or mistreatment can strain diplomatic ties, prompting both nations to engage in dialogue to address the concerns.
2. **Educational Collaborations**: Incidents like this can deter prospective Nepali students from enrolling in Indian institutions, fearing for their safety and well-being. This could lead to a decline in educational exchanges and collaborations, affecting the cultural and academic rapport between the two countries.
3. **Public Perception**: The narrative surrounding the incident, especially if not managed with transparency and sensitivity, can fuel negative sentiments among the populace of both nations. Social media and news outlets play a pivotal role in shaping these perceptions, which can, in turn, influence diplomatic relations.
4. **Policy Reforms**: This event may prompt both governments to re-evaluate and strengthen policies related to the safety and rights of international students. Collaborative efforts to establish robust support systems and grievance redressal mechanisms could emerge as a priority, fostering a more secure environment for students.
**Conclusion**
The death of Prakriti Lamsal is a poignant reminder of the responsibilities educational institution
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