Suicide of Nepali Student at KIIT University, Odisha

In February 2025, Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali engineering student at KIIT University in Odisha, India, was found dead in her hostel room, with her death ruled a suicide. She had previously filed a complaint alleging harassment by fellow student Advik Srivastava. Her death ignited protests from Nepali students, who accused the university of ignoring her complaint and attempting a cover-up. Tensions escalated when the administration ordered Nepali students to vacate the campus, prompting the Embassy of Nepal to intervene. Odisha Police arrested Srivastava on charges of abetment of suicide. The incident drew widespread media coverage and condemnation, evolving into a diplomatic issue between India and Nepal and raising serious questions about international student welfare and institutional accountability.

Advik Srivastava was arrested and charged with abetment of suicide; the case remains under judicial process with no final verdict. KIIT University issued a public apology, reinstated the evicted students, and initiated an internal inquiry.

Whether the university adequately addressed the prior harassment complaint; whether the eviction of Nepali students violated their rights and constituted discrimination; and whether the accused's actions legally amounted to abetment of suicide.

The case strained India-Nepal diplomatic relations, sparked protests in Nepal, and triggered widespread calls for stronger protections for international students in India. It prompted a review of anti-harassment and grievance redressal policies at Indian higher education institutions and intensified scrutiny of campus safety standards.