On February 16, 2025, the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University witnessed turmoil following the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old engineering student from Nepal. Found dead in her hostel room, police indicated she likely committed suicide, linking her death to allegations of harassment by her former boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, also a third-year student at the university.
The situation escalated rapidly after Lamsal’s death, prompting her peers to initiate protests against university management's perceived negligence. Students blocked roads near the campus, claiming the university ignored Lamsal's repeated requests for assistance about the harassment she had faced from Srivastava.
Reports suggest Lamsal and Srivastava were engaged romantically for approximately three years. Their relationship soured after Srivastava received a job offer, leading to significant strain between the couple. Following the tragic incident, Srivastava was taken from the university and detained by police as they investigate the circumstances surrounding Lamsal's death. An FIR lodged against him cites potential abetment to suicide.
The university's administration swiftly responded to the crisis by issuing directives for over 500 Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately. They were escorted by buses to various railway stations to facilitate their swift return home. This drastic measure followed widespread unrest and heightened concerns among the international student community.
According to statements made by KIIT's registrar, Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, the university is investigating the incident and has prioritized student safety. Mohanty stated, 'University officials immediately informed the police, who have since taken the male student — believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased —into custody for questioning.' He attributes Lamsal’s actions to unresolved personal disputes.
Investigators have since uncovered distressing evidence, including audio recordings allegedly of Srivastava verbally abusing Lamsal. The chilling clip, which has circulated widely on social media, features Srivastava hurling insults at Lamsal, who is heard crying and attempting to assert her position. This will undoubtedly complicate the narrative surrounding her tragic demise.
Beyond verbal harassment, friends and relatives of Lamsal have suggested there were also physical and mental burdens inflicted during their relationship. Eyewitness accounts detail Lamsal’s frustrations, reflecting how her pleas for assistance were reportedly met with bureaucratic apathy. Allegations include her having brought such harassment to the attention of the university’s International Relations Office months prior to her death, yet no considerable action was taken.
The police are taking the situation seriously, emphasizing their commitment to clarifying the incident thoroughly. Bhubaneswar’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Pinak Mishra, confirmed, ‘We have seized all relevant materials, including mobile phones and laptops, to avoid any potential tampering with evidence. Our team has been diligent about engaging both students and university officials to grasp the complete picture.’
The mood among Lamsal's peers remains somber and angry, with many demanding accountability from both the accused and university authorities. This tragic incident shines light on the struggles faced by students within educational institutions, particularly concerning mental health and personal safety.
Despite the turmoil, the university has made attempts to normalize operations on campus following the unrest, yet many students express fears about returning after such traumatic events. The investigation remains underway as authorities sift through evidence and testimonies, hoping to draw meaningful conclusions about Lamsal's circumstances and the actions of Srivastava.
Prakriti Lamsal’s tragic death emphasizes the pressing need for educational institutions to reinforce their support systems for students facing harassment and challenges. With her future cut short, it is imperative her story ignites dialogue around student welfare and systemic accountability.