KIIT University girl student’s death: Past cases highlight alarming pattern of negligence!

In the wake of a student from Nepal at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar allegedly taking her own life, intense discussions about the institution's authorities and their alleged negligence have come to the fore.

The event sparked massive protests, with students alleging the high-handedness of security personnel in the university, demanding justice, and raising serious questions about safety and mental health support on campus.

Incidentally, the deceased, Prakriti Lamsal, allegedly took her own life owing to unbreakable mental pressure after a relationship fell out. However, reports mentioned that she had approached the International Relations Office of KIIT University for help but was allegedly not provided with the needed counselling leading to this tragic outcome.

Similarly, past incidents also appear to highlight this worrying trend.

History of Tragic Incidents

In 2022, a first-year B.Tech student from Bihar fell from the 5th floor of his hostel building and died. Soon after, protests followed, with students alleging negligence by the university authorities.

The deceased, Suraj Kumar, was pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Engineering and police investigation suggested that he had been suffering from depression. However, the students maintained that they could not get adequate support from the university.

In 2021, two separate incidents resulted in student deaths. In the first, a 19-year-old B.Tech student from Madhya Pradesh was found dead in his hostel room, allegedly taking his own life. 

In another incident, a 20-year-old student died in a road accident near the campus. These incidents raised concerns about the adequacy of mental health support and campus security at KIIT University.

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Suppression of Information

Meanwhile, KIIT University has again faced allegations of suppressing information about student deaths and other incidents on campus. Students claimed that the administration resolves matters internally without proper investigation or transparency, leading to distrust among the student body.

In the case of Prakriti Lamsal, several instances of lapses were alleged including the university forcing students from Nepal to vacate the premises without notice to goons allegedly entering the hostel rooms and forcing students to delete incriminating media.

ALSO READ: Nepal girl’s death in KIIT University: Local goons assaulted hostel inmates, alleges student in viral audio

Broader Issues and Protests

Students have long protested, demanding better support systems and accountability from the management. Past incidents, including a 2016 road blockade protesting the molestation of a female student, further highlight the need for improved safety measures.

Will an apology help?

Meanwhile, KIIT University has issued an apology for its handling of the Prakriti Lamsal matter. "We are extremely appalled by the untoward incident that took place on our campus on the evening of 16 February 2025. We are also regretful of the way some of us behaved with the agitating students. We love our students and have never done any disservice to them. The comments made by two of our officers are extremely irresponsible."

It further read, "Although the comments are made in their personal capacity on the spur of the moment, we do not support their action. We have removed them from service. They too have apologized for their behavior. We too apologize for all that has happened and hereby tender our love and affection to all the students and people of Nepal. We love them as much as we love the people of India and the people of the world. Additionally, we are again appealing to our Nepali students to join the regular academics with immediate effect."

ALSO READ: Bhubaneswar KIIT University girl student’s death sparks massive protests in Nepal bringing global shame

While KIIT University is yet to respond to all the allegations brought by the KIIT students it issued a notice on Tuesday stating that the "authorities and the entire staff deeply regret the incident". It also stated that two security staff were terminated immediately while two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer of the International Relations Office (IRO), were suspended.