Nepali student’s death at KIIT: Funeral held, diplomatic talks continue, students return amid protests

February 20, Kathmandu: The death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student found hanging in her hostel at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, has triggered a series of events: her final rites were performed in Bhairahawa on Thursday, Nepal’s Foreign Minister engaged in talks with Odisha’s Higher Education Minister for justice and safety assurances, 126 Nepali students returned home citing insecurity, and protests erupted in Birgunj demanding accountability.

The final rites of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student found dead at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, were performed on Thursday at Swargadwari Ghat in Bhairahawa. Her body, brought from Odisha on Wednesday, was cremated after a funeral procession that saw participation from Nepali students studying at KIIT. Prakriti’s grandfather, Devnath Lamsal, lit the pyre following the circumambulation of Bhairahawa. Born on 4 Asar 2061 BS (June 18, 2004) in Bhairahawa, the 20-year-old was discovered hanging in her hostel room at KIIT on February 16, 2025, sparking grief and outrage among Nepali students and communities.

The incident has prompted diplomatic engagement between Nepal and India. On February 19, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, held a telephone conversation with Surya Banshi Suraj, the Minister for Higher Education in Odisha, to address concerns surrounding Prakriti’s death. Minister Dr Rana urged Minister Suraj to ensure a fair investigation, bring the culprit to justice, and create a safe environment for Nepali students at KIIT to resume their studies.

According to Minister Rana’s personal secretariat, the Odisha government has taken the matter seriously, forming a high-level investigation committee to probe the incident and deliver justice. Minister Suraj also informed Minister Dr Rana that a hotline number has been established for Nepali students and their guardians, and efforts were underway to facilitate the return of affected students. Additionally, KIIT has initiated disciplinary action against staff members accused of abusing Nepali students, with assurances of a secure atmosphere in the hostel. Suraj emphasized the unique relationship between India and Nepal, pledging to strengthen it further.

Meanwhile, the fallout from Prakriti’s death has led to a significant exodus of Nepali students from KIIT. On February 19, 126 students—103 boys and 23 girls—returned to Nepal via the Raxaul checkpoint in Birgunj, citing insecurity and alleging mental torture and threats from the KIIT administration. Officiating Chief District Officer Nishan Raj Gautam of Parsa District Administration Office confirmed their return, noting their complaints against the institute. The incident has also fueled protests, with the All Nepal National Independent Students Union (Revolutionary) staging a demonstration from the Consulate General of India in Birgunj to Ghantaghar Chowk, demanding justice for Prakriti.

As investigations continue in Odisha and tensions linger among Nepali students, the tragic loss of Prakriti Lamsal has cast a spotlight on the safety and well-being of international students at KIIT, prompting both diplomatic and grassroots responses.