KIIT University Prakriti Lamsal’s death: Odisha launches helpline & WhatsApp numbers for Nepali students

The Higher Education Department in Odisha has established four dedicated helpline numbers for the safety, security, and academic support of all Nepali students studying at KIIT University following the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal.

The government has set up dedicated helpline numbers: 0674-2396550, 0674-2323401, 0674-2323402, and 0674-2323403 to provide support and guidance to all the Nepali students who have been affected by the recent KIIT incident.

The students can also reach out to the Higher Education Department on WhatsApp at 9124620605 to lodge any complaint or inconvenience they are facing, informed IAS Kali Prasanna Mahapatra, Director of the Higher Education Department.

Also Read: KIIT University staff moved Prakriti Lamsal's body without police presence and tried to hush up matter, allege students

This initiative comes after a third-year Nepali student died, allegedly by suicide, prompting concerns about student safety and well-being at KIIT. These actions demonstrate the collaborative efforts between Odisha and Nepal to ensure the safety and support of Nepali students in India.

“The Government in Higher Education Department has taken serious note of the recent unfortunate incident at KIIT, concerning the tragic death of a student and subsequent actions by the institution. To facilitate the safety and security of the students affected by the incident, their safe return, and protection of their academic interest, the Higher Education Department hereby forms a 24*7 helpdesk,” a letter from the I&PR Department read.

Help Desk for the Welfare of Students of #KIITUniversity, Bhubaneswar: pic.twitter.com/mJeZsZkseS

— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) February 19, 2025

“The Help Desk will be manned with 9 personnels who will attend the assignment round the clock. The Help Desk will start functioning with immediate effect. The Help Desk will also reach out to students and facilitate their early return or any other issue relation to their personal well-being. All affected students and parents are requested to reach out to the Help Desk for early return to the Institution for their academic pursuit,” the letter added.

The incident has sparked protests from all quarters, leading to diplomatic engagement between Nepal and India. Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held discussions with the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, regarding the situation at KIIT. The Nepali government has taken the matter seriously, initiating diplomatic efforts to address the concerns of Nepali students studying at KIIT.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive investigation has been initiated into the tragic death of Prakriti by a high-level committee led by ACS (Additional Chief Secretary), Home Department.