In the wake of a tragic incident at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), search trends on Google have surged, reflecting intense public interest. The death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B-Tech student from Nepal, has sent shockwaves across social media and news platforms, pushing keywords like “KIIT University” and “KIIT News” into Google’s top trending searches. Within just a few hours, over 20,000 searches were registered, highlighting the nationwide attention the case has garnered.

Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday, with initial reports suggesting suicide. Her cousin lodged a police complaint, alleging that a male student had been blackmailing her, potentially driving her to take the extreme step. KIIT issued a statement acknowledging the possibility of a romantic relationship being a factor but stressed that investigations were ongoing.

Protests and campus unrest fuel Google Trends surge

As news of the incident spread, campus protests erupted, further amplifying online searches related to KIIT. A large group of Nepali students demonstrated, demanding justice for Lamsal. The protests led to heightened tensions, prompting the university to send Nepali students back home as a precautionary measure. However, allegations of forced eviction surfaced when reports revealed that two busloads of Nepali students were dropped off at Cuttack Railway Station. Many expressed frustration over being relocated just days before their exams scheduled for February 28.

Viral videos of security guards allegedly restricting students from leaving their hostels added fuel to the online conversation. One such video showing a scuffle between students and security personnel went viral, but its authenticity remains unverified. KIIT has refrained from commenting on these allegations, further intensifying online speculation.

International response and political reaction

The issue took a diplomatic turn when Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the matter on social media. His statement, confirming that the Nepali government is working through diplomatic channels, added to the virality of the topic.

“It has come to our attention through media and social media that a Nepali student has died in the hostel of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha and that Nepali students have been forcibly evicted from the hostel. The government is working on this matter through diplomatic channels and is in contact with the relevant authorities,” he wrote.

As authorities continue their investigation, the KIIT controversy remains at the center of intense 

public scrutiny, both online and offline. With Google search trends skyrocketing, the incident has transcended local headlines to become a widely discussed issue, further emphasizing the power of digital platforms in shaping real-world narratives.