India Assures Justice for Nepali Student’s Death at KIIT, Odisha Govt Initiates High-Level Probe

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has been actively coordinating with Odisha authorities and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) following the tragic death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal and the subsequent developments.

The Odisha State Government has taken strict action against those involved, placing KIIT under notice and forming a High-Level Fact-Finding Committee under the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department. Legal and administrative actions will be taken based on the committee’s findings. Reports of misconduct against students are also being investigated, with authorities assuring accountability as per the law.

The Bhubaneswar Police Commissionerate has confirmed the arrest of the accused student, who has been sent to judicial custody. A criminal case has also been registered against KIIT security personnel involved in the alleged manhandling of Nepali students, and they have been arrested. Odisha Police has assured a fair and impartial investigation into both cases.

In response, KIIT has terminated two security staff and suspended two senior hostel officials along with one senior officer from the International Relations Office pending an inquiry. The university’s Vice Chancellor has issued a public apology and urged Nepali students to resume regular academic activities.

KIIT has also withdrawn the ‘sine die’ order, which had earlier led to the evacuation of students, and has set up a 24×7 control room to assist Nepali students returning to campus. Meanwhile, Odisha Police has provided a 24×7 helpline number (+91-8280338301) for Nepali students seeking assistance.

The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students, including those from Nepal, and assured that justice will be served swiftly and fairly.