KIIT official after eviction of protesters: Students returning to campus

In a recent development, the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has permit over 700 Nepali students to return to campus after they were previously evict during protests concerning the tragic death of a fellow Nepali student.

Background of the Incident

The situation escalate following the unfortunate demise of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, who was hanging in her hostel room on February 16, 2025. Her death, suspected to be a suicide, led to widespread protests among the student community, who alleged harassment and institutional negligence as contributing factors. In response to the unrest, KIIT administration issued an eviction notice to all Nepali students, leading to their forced departure from the campus.

Diplomatic Intervention and Reversal of Eviction

The mass eviction drew significant attention, prompting intervention from the Nepali Embassy and diplomatic discussions between Nepal and India. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on bilateral relations. KIIT officials reversed the eviction order, allowing the Nepali students to return to their studies. A KIIT representative stated, “Nepali students are returning to campus, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being.”

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Ongoing Investigations and Support Measures

In the aftermath of Lamsal’s death at KIIT, local authorities have apprehended a male student for questioning. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The university has expressed its commitment to cooperate fully with law enforcement. And it has initiated measures to provide counseling and support services to students affected by the tragedy.

The incident has underscored the importance of addressing student grievances promptly and ensuring a supportive environment for international students. Both KIIT and diplomatic entities are working collaboratively to prevent such incidents in the future. And also to maintain the trust and safety of the student community.