UGC seeks explanation from KIIT University over girl student’s death, mistreatment of Nepalese students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has reportedly sought a report from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar over the chain of events that began following the death of Prakriti Lamsal, an international student from Nepal, who was found dead in the institution’s hostel on February 16.

Reportedly, the education regulatory body is in touch with the university officials and has demanded an explanation for various events that resulted in widespread outrage and a diplomatic row.

Odisha Government Inquiry:

Meanwhile, the news of a UGC inquiry comes amid an ongoing high-level committee probe led by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department of the Odisha Government. As part of its interrogation, the panel also recently called upon KIIT founder and former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta and interrogated him for hours.

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What Happened to Prakriti Lamsal?

Prakriti Lamsal, a B. Tech third-year Mechanical Engineering student, was allegedly blackmailed and harassed by her ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava. In light of this, she reportedly approached KIIT’s International Relations Office (IRO) for help but was not shown the required concern, resulting in an immense mental burden.

Subsequently, on February 16, she was found dead in one of the university’s hostels. Later, that evening, hundreds of students carried out protests and demanded justice from the university authorities alleging various lapses on the part of the institution.

Lapses by KIIT Authorities:

On the day following it, reports and social media clips highlighted campus security using excessive force against the protesting students. Soon after, KIIT issued a notice demanding all of its students from Nepal to vacate the campus immediately but reversed that decision later that night.

However, a diplomatic row raged on ever since the incident occurred with the Prime Minister of Nepal expressing concerns over the safety and security of students from the country and demanding immediate action.

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Moreover, if reports are to be believed, hundreds of students from Nepal are yet to return to KIIT University fearing their safety.