KIIT University Nepali girl student's death: NHRC orders on-spot inquiry, seeks report by Mar 10

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Director General (Investigation) to form a team and conduct a probe into the alleged suicide of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar. The NHRC has also directed the official to submit the investigation report by March 10.

Twenty-year-old Nepalese girl Prakriti Lamsal’s body was recovered from her hostel room on February 16, afternoon, when the KIIT University, founded by former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta, was celebrating its foundation day.

NHRC Direction to DG (I):

The NHRC letter read, "The Commission directed the Director General (Investigation) to assign a team of officers/ officials from the Investigation Division and Law Division of the Commission to conduct an on-spot inquiry at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, in accordance with the provisions of the PHRA, 1993 and to submit their inquiry report to the Commission by March 10, 2025."

“Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Commission directs the Registrar (Law) to proceed for inquiry in KIIT University, Bhubaneswar to conduct an on spot inquiry along with team consisting two officers from Investigation Division, one not below the rank of SSP and one officer/official from Law Division and submit its inquiry report to the Commission by 10th March, 2025,” it read.

Allegations of the Complainant:

As per the allegations of the complainant, Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at KIIT University, had faced harassment by her named ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, and that the university's International Relations Office (IRO) had neglected her complaints, contributing to her tragic suicide. 

It is alleged that the protests by Nepali students seeking justice were met with verbal abuse, threats, and physical assault by KIIT officials and security guards. Additionally, the complainant accused the KIIT and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) of exploiting tribal children, violating their human rights, and engaging in illegal land acquisitions. 

A 2017 Child Welfare Committee report reportedly revealed poor living conditions at KISS, including overcrowding, unclean facilities, and lack of basic amenities. The complainant further urged the commission to take action against KIIT officials, including founder Achyuta Samanta, for their alleged failure to address harassment complaints and their involvement in the exploitation of tribal students.

Speaking to ANI, NHRC member, Priyank Kanoongo, said, "We received a complaint from an organisation, Kalinga Rights Forum. In the complaint, it was mentioned that a student from Nepal had died allegedly by suicide. We don't yet know if it is a suicide. The complainant also told us that enraged Nepali students who wanted to raise their voices against this were beaten up...we have formed a team and it will go to the University and conduct a probe. Before 10th (March), they will submit the report..."

#WATCH | Delhi: On death of a Nepali student in Odisha's KIIT University, Member of National Human Rights Commission, Priyank Kanoongo, says, " We received a complaint from an organisation, Kalinga Rights Forum. In the complaint, it was mentioned that a student from Nepal had… pic.twitter.com/QXWCb36brV

— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2025