Odisha Takes Swift Action Following the Death of Prakriti Lamsal
The unfortunate demise of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B. Tech student from Nepal studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), has sparked outrage and concern. The young student was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday, allegedly due to suicide. Her tragic passing has raised serious questions about student safety, institutional responsibility, and allegations of harassment.
Background: A Shocking Incident Shakes the Campus
The body of Prakriti Lamsal was discovered in her hostel room at KIIT, Bhubaneswar. According to initial reports, she allegedly died by suicide, with suspicions of harassment playing a role. Her cousin filed a complaint at Infocity police station, alleging that Prakriti had been blackmailed by another student, which may have driven her to take such an extreme step.
The situation escalated further when Prakriti’s father, Sunil Lamsal, accused the institution of mistreating Nepali students. Reports surfaced that some Nepali students were evicted from their hostels in the wake of the incident, intensifying concerns regarding their safety and well-being on campus.
Odisha Government’s Response: High-Level Committee Formed
In response to the tragic event and subsequent protests, the Odisha government has constituted a high-level fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances leading to Prakriti’s death. The committee comprises the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department.
Authorities have also taken swift action by arresting security guards and suspending officials found guilty of negligence. The institution has been placed under notice, and appropriate legal and administrative actions will be pursued based on the findings of the committee.
Furthermore, the government is actively investigating reports of misconduct and the alleged use of force against students by private individuals. Officials have assured that those responsible will be held accountable, and justice will be served fairly and expeditiously.
Campus Unrest and KIIT’s Appeal to Students
Following Prakriti’s death, tensions soared on the KIIT campus, with students protesting against the administration. The incident has drawn significant media attention, amplifying concerns about student safety and the treatment of international students in Indian educational institutions.
In an attempt to restore normalcy, KIIT issued an official statement on its social media platform, appealing to Nepali students who had left the campus to return and resume their academic activities. The institute emphasized that police had swiftly apprehended the accused, Advik Srivastava, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student. He was arrested at Bhubaneswar airport on Monday evening.
The Final Farewell: Family Takes Prakriti’s Remains to Nepal
After undergoing a post-mortem examination at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar, Prakriti’s body was handed over to her grieving family. Her remains were taken to Nepal for the final rites, marking the end of a devastating chapter for her loved ones.
A Call for Justice and Reform
Prakriti Lamsal’s tragic death has ignited crucial conversations about student safety, mental health, and institutional accountability. The incident highlights the urgent need for stronger protective measures for students, especially international ones, in Indian universities.
The Odisha government’s proactive approach in forming a high-level probe committee is a step in the right direction. However, beyond the immediate response, the case underscores the necessity for long-term reforms in university policies to prevent such tragedies in the future. Ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students must be a priority for educational institutions nationwide.
As the investigation unfolds, students, activists, and the general public will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served for Prakriti and that her loss leads to meaningful changes in the system.
(With inputs from agencies)
