The University Grants Commission (UGC) has requested an official report from KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, regarding the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepalese student, and the subsequent allegations of mistreatment towards international students.
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student, was reportedly subjected to blackmail and harassment by her ex-boyfriend. Despite approaching KIIT’s International Relations Office (IRO) for help, she allegedly did not receive adequate support. On February 16, she was found deceased in her hostel room, triggering widespread protests among students demanding justice and highlighting failures by the university authorities.
In response to the protests, campus security was accused of using excessive force against the students. Initially, KIIT University ordered all its Nepalese students to vacate the campus, but this decision was later revoked.
The incident has escalated into a diplomatic issue, with Nepal’s Prime Minister raising concerns over the safety and security of Nepalese students in India and calling for immediate action. The Odisha Government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the incident and has questioned KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta.
The UGC’s intervention aims to address these allegations and ensure the safety and well-being of international students on campus.
