GUWAHATI: The recent death of a third-year BTech student from Nepal at KIIT University has triggered widespread protests, drawing attention from both Indian and Nepalese authorities. Over 500 Nepali students on campus have staged demonstrations, alleging negligence and mistreatment by university officials. The issue has also gained diplomatic significance, with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli publicly addressing the matter and urging intervention.
The deceased student’s father, Sunil Lamsal, claimed that his daughter faced harassment and emotional blackmail, leading to her suicide. He confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with the post-mortem report awaited. Meanwhile, a 24/7 control room has been set up at Campus 6 to assist returning Nepali students.
ALSO READ: One Killed In Accident With Dumper Near Guwahati’s Chandrapur
Tensions escalated further when university authorities allegedly attempted to evict Nepali students following the protests. Reports suggest that officials made racially insensitive remarks, with one administrator purportedly comparing the university’s spending on students to Nepal’s national budget. A video capturing the remark has surfaced online.
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli condemned the alleged forced eviction, stating on Facebook and X that his government was addressing the situation through diplomatic channels. His post read:
Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha. Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference.
Our Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students affected in Odisha.
— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) February 17, 2025
Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure they have the option to either remain in their hostel or return home, based on their preference. #Nepal #Odisha
The student, Lamsal, had reportedly been harassed and blackmailed by 21-year-old Advik Srivastava from Lucknow. She had previously complained to the university’s International Relations Office (IRO) about Srivastava, but he was only issued a warning. A leaked audio clip, allegedly featuring abusive language from Srivastava, has strengthened allegations against him.
While KIIT University claimed that Lamsal and Srivastava were in a relationship, suggesting the suicide might have stemmed from a personal dispute, her family and friends have refuted this, demanding stricter action.
KIIT University posted on X, “There was an unfortunate incident which took place late in the evening yesterday on the KIIT campus. Immediately after the incident, police investigated the matter and apprehended the culprit. The KIIT administration has taken all-out efforts to restore normalcy in the campus and hostels to resume the academic activities. An appeal is made to all our Nepali students who have or plan to leave the campus to return and resume the classes.”
APPEAL!
— KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 17, 2025
There was an unfortunate incident which took place late in the evening yesterday on the KIIT campus. Immediately after the incident, police investigated the matter and apprehended the culprit.
The KIIT administration has taken all-out efforts to restore normalcy in the… pic.twitter.com/0o3vFs2TWi
Srivastava was detained at Biju Patnaik International Airport on February 16, reportedly while attempting to flee. A flight ticket to Kolkata dated the same day has surfaced online. He has been arrested and charged under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide.
Authorities have also seized the victim’s mobile phone and laptop for forensic examination as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, protests by Nepali students persist, with demands for justice and accountability from the university administration.
