Kathmandu [Nepal]/Bhubaneswar, February 18: Student unions from multiple political parties organized a demonstration in front of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Tuesday, calling for a thorough investigation into the death of a Nepalese student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha. The incident led to widespread protests, particularly among Nepalese students at the Bhubaneswar-based college.
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Student organizations affiliated with the Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist Center, and CPN-Unified Socialist also staged protests in various areas of Kathmandu, demanding better protection for Nepalese students in India. The All Nepal National Free Students’ Union-Revolutionary (ANNFSU-Revolutionary) gathered at Maitighar Mandala, near Kathmandu's administrative hub of Singhadurbar, urging the Nepalese government to engage diplomatically.
“We demand strict punishment for the individual arrested. The investigation into Prakriti Lamsal's death should be transparent and fair, with all those responsible facing legal consequences. Additionally, the victim's family deserves compensation," said Deuma Jaisi, Deputy Chairperson of the student wing of CPN-Maoist Center, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal-Prachanda.
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During the protest, demonstrators displayed placards with slogans like “Safe campuses, not crime zones!” and “Protect women, not criminals.” Earlier, the Nepal Student Union had also staged protests at several campuses in the Kathmandu valley, seeking justice for the late student, who was in her final year of a BTech degree.
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16. Nepali students have alleged that she had been harassed by a fellow student and that the college failed to act on repeated complaints. On February 17, police arrested Advik Srivastava, the accused student, and placed him in judicial custody.
The All Nepal National Free Students' Union (Unified Socialist), the student wing of CPN-Unified Socialist (CPN-US), also held a protest near the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, with CPN-US led by former Nepali Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
In response to the incident, Nepal's Ambassador to India, Shankar P Sharma, spoke with KIIT Founder Achyuta Samanta, who briefed him about the measures taken by the institution. These included a public apology from the Vice Chancellor and the termination of several staff members. "H.E. @DrShankarSharma had a telephone conversation with Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, and also met his representatives. Prof. Samanta briefed Dr Sharma about the actions taken by KIIT, including a public apology letter from the VC and the termination of a few staff," a statement noted.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, confirmed that the government is addressing the incident through diplomatic channels. “We have learned through media that a Nepali student passed away in the hostel of KIIT University in Odisha and that Nepali students have been forcefully evicted from the hostel,” Oli said in a Facebook statement.
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In response, KIIT announced that disciplinary actions were being taken against certain security and administrative staff. The college issued an apology for remarks made following the incident and suspended two senior hostel officials and one senior staff member from the International Relations Office (IRO). A statement from KIIT’s Vice Chancellor read, "KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our dear Nepali students."
The institution also urged students to return to campus, setting up a 24/7 control room to support them.
This ongoing issue continues to spark calls for justice and accountability, with both the government and KIIT pledging further efforts to address the concerns raised by the Nepalese student community. (With ANI Input)
