Daijiworld Media Network - Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Feb 22: The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepalese student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Odisha, has led to widespread protests and the return of 159 Nepali students via the Raxaul border.

Lamsal, a third-year BTech (computer science) student, allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room on February 16, triggering unrest on campus. Following the incident, Nepalese students alleged inhumane treatment and forceful eviction from hostels by security personnel.

“We were abused and beaten by security guards in the presence of university staff and were asked to vacate immediately,” some students claimed during a press briefing in Kathmandu. Despite assurances from the university, many felt unsafe to return.

In response, Nepal’s foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba stated that the issue has been addressed through diplomatic channels. She confirmed discussions with Odisha’s higher education minister Suryabanshi Suraj, ensuring a fair investigation and a safe environment for Nepalese students. A high-level committee has been formed to probe the incident, and the university has apologized, taking action against staff involved in the alleged mistreatment.

Meanwhile, candlelight marches and protest rallies demanding justice for Lamsal have been held in Birgunj and Rupandehi, her home district.