The uproar at Bhubaneswar’s KIIT University has been grabbing the headlines for the past few days. A third-year BTech student from Nepal was recently found dead in her hostel room which led to wide protests from over 500 Nepali students at the campus. The Nepalese government has since then interfered in the matter and PM KP Sharma Oli has also spoken on the issue. Here’s a breakdown of the events that will give you an idea as to what exactly led to the commotion at the KIIT University.
- Father’s plea for justice
Sunil Lamsal, father of the deceased Nepali student at KIIT University, stated that his daughter was harassed and emotionally blackmailed, leading to her suicide. He confirmed that an investigation is underway, with the post-mortem report expected soon. He also mentioned that the police and university administration are cooperating with the family.
- Unrest in university
Following the incident, KIIT University established a 24/7 control room at Campus 6 to assist Nepali students returning to the university. The suicide of the third-year Nepali student has caused unrest among over 500 Nepali students on campus, with tensions escalating when university authorities attempted to evict them. Reports claim university officials made racially insensitive remarks during protests, with one allegedly comparing KIIT’s spending on students to Nepal’s national budget, a statement reportedly captured on video. The eviction of Nepali students became a diplomatic issue, prompting Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to express concern. He issued statements on Facebook and X, alleging forced eviction and urging the Indian government to intervene.
- International intervention
The case has drawn attention from both Indian and Nepalese authorities, with demands for justice intensifying. Lamsal’s cousin, Siddhant Sigdel, filed an FIR stating that she was continuously harassed. Protests from Nepali students continue as they seek accountability from the university for its alleged inaction against the accused.
Nepal PM’s post on X reads, “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.”
4. Allegations against the accused
Lamsal, a third-year BTech student, was allegedly harassed and blackmailed by 21-year-old Advik Srivastava from Lucknow. Reports indicate that Lamsal had previously complained about Srivastava to the university’s International Relations Office (IRO), but only a warning was issued. An audio clip reportedly allegedly featuring abuse from Srivastava surfaced online, further strengthening allegations against him. KIIT claimed that Lamsal and Srivastava were in a relationship and that the suicide might have resulted from a personal dispute.
5. Arrest and investigation
Srivastava was detained at Biju Patnaik International Airport on February 16 while allegedly attempting to flee. A flight ticket to Kolkata dated the same day surfaced online. He has been arrested and charged under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide. Police have seized Lamsal’s mobile phone and laptop for forensic examination.