KIIT suspends 3 employees, issues apology after Nepali student's suicide
What's the story
The Bhubaneswar-based Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has apologized for the alleged misbehavior of its three employees after a third-year BTech student from Nepal, Prakriti Lamsal, died by suicide. The varsity suspended two hostel officials and a senior administrative officer of the International Relations Office (IRO) for their alleged misconduct during protests following Lamsal's death. Two security staffers were also terminated for allegedly mistreating protesting students.
Official statement
KIIT Vice-Chancellor expresses regret, assures student safety
In a letter, KIIT's Vice-Chancellor, Saranjit Singh said, "KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our dear Nepali students." He stressed that comments made by certain officials were irresponsible and not supported by the institution.
Twitter Post
Apology letter
Letter of Apology from the Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU
— KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (@KIITUniversity) February 18, 2025
KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of… pic.twitter.com/mJb1Zo9jGj
Campus measures
KIIT establishes control room, urges return of Nepali students
In the wake of the incident, KIIT has set up a 24/7 control room to help Nepali students return to the campus. The institute also posted apologies of two officials on social media for their comments during the protests. One of the officials said, "My intention was never to offend or demean anyone...I deeply regret if my words caused unintended hurt to anyone." The institute is requesting Nepali students who left or intend to leave over this incident, to return.
Government action
Nepal government responds, Odisha assembly demands probe
The incident drew a response from the Nepal government, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli seeking India's help to resolve the issue. He later said that the Nepalese government has sent officers from its embassy in New Delhi to counsel affected students in Odisha. The university also informed that "all-out efforts have been made to restore normalcy in the campus and hostels to resume academic activities."
Legal proceedings
Police arrest security guards, student over Lamsal's death
Police have arrested two security guards for student mistreatment and a fellow student for allegedly blackmailing Lamsal, which led to her suicide. The guards, identified as Ramakanta Nayak (45) and Jogendra Behera (25), were arrested after a criminal case was registered against them. Advik Srivastava (21), a third-year BTech (Mechanical) student, was also arrested on the basis of a complaint lodged by the deceased's cousin at Infocity police station.