Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, spoke with Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Surjya Narayan Patro, urging swift action in the case of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal’s death.
Nepal Urges Investigation
Minister Deuba requested a fair investigation and strict action against those responsible. She also emphasized the need for a safe learning environment for Nepali students at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneshwar.
“I spoke with Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryavanshi Suraj on the phone. I urged him to conduct a fair probe into Lamsal’s death, take legal action against the culprits, and ensure a safe space for Nepali students. He assured me that Odisha takes this matter seriously and has formed a high-level investigation committee,” Deuba shared on X.
Odisha’s Response and Actions Taken
In response, Minister Patro confirmed the formation of an investigation committee. He also announced new safety measures for Nepali students.
“A separate hotline has been set up for Nepali students and their parents. Those who misbehaved with students have been dismissed, and legal steps have been taken,” Patro stated.
Additionally, arrangements are in place for Nepali students who had returned home to rejoin their studies safely. The Nepali Embassy in New Delhi is working with Indian officials and KIIT management to resolve the issue.
Protest Erupts After Student’s Death
On February 16, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student, was found dead in her hostel room. Nepali students protested, claiming she had been harassed by a fellow student. They alleged that the college ignored multiple complaints.
Police identified and arrested the accused student, Advik Srivastava, on February 17. He was sent to judicial custody the same day, according to a press statement from the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate.
Growing Concerns Among Nepali Students
Following the incident, Nepali students took to the streets. They demanded the arrest of the student who had allegedly harassed Prakriti. The situation escalated further when KIIT asked over 500 Nepali students to leave campus on December 17. The university declared a sine-die, sending busloads of students to Cuttack Railway Station, 30 kilometers away.
Later, KIIT retracted its decision, allowing students to return. However, many students and their families remain worried about their safety and future.
Diplomatic Efforts to Ensure Student Safety
Minister Deuba reassured that Nepal and India share strong ties, and her government will continue working with Indian officials to maintain those relations. She stressed that Nepali students in India must feel safe and protected.
“We are coordinating with the university administration and Indian security officials to ensure this does not happen again,” she added.
With an investigation underway, many hope for justice for Prakriti. Meanwhile, authorities in both countries must work together to ensure foreign students in India have a safe educational experience.
For more updates on this developing story, visit Nepal Monitor.
