Protests Erupt After Nepali BTech Student’s Suicide in Bhubaneswar, Accusations of Mishandling and Cover-Up by University
A tragic incident at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar has sparked massive protests after Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student from Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room. The 22-year-old’s death on Sunday evening has led to widespread anger among students, particularly Nepali nationals, who are accusing the university administration of mishandling the case and attempting to cover up the circumstances surrounding the death.
Protestors, including Prakriti’s friends and fellow students, have raised concerns about harassment she allegedly faced from her ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, which they believe led to her tragic decision. The student’s brother filed a police complaint accusing Srivastava of abetting her suicide, leading to his arrest.
The protests intensified as students gathered on campus, chanting “We Want Justice” and demanding transparency in the investigation. Some students also accused the university of unjustly instructing Nepali students to vacate the campus without proper notice. The university’s response further fueled the unrest, with students questioning the sudden decision to evict them. As tensions grew, the local police were deployed on campus to control the situation.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, has taken notice of the protests, with the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi sending officials to counsel affected students. The embassy has made arrangements for Nepali students to stay in their hostels or return home, as per their preference.
The university has issued a statement acknowledging the student’s death and stating that the cause of the suicide may be linked to her relationship with a fellow student. Authorities have also confirmed that the accused, Advik Srivastava, has been arrested for abetment of suicide.
Meanwhile, many students expressed frustration with the way the situation has been handled. Some pointed out that the university had not responded to earlier complaints regarding campus discipline, adding to their sense of injustice. The community continues to demand accountability from the administration for its actions following the tragic incident.
The tragic death has sparked important conversations about mental health, harassment, and the responsibility of institutions in providing support to their students. The protests are likely to continue until a clear and transparent investigation is conducted
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
