The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, has triggered an emotional outcry and protests on campus, bringing to the forefront issues of harassment, institutional accountability, and cross-border tensions. Prakriti was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday evening, and her friends and family have pointed to harassment by her ex-boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, as a possible driving force behind her drastic decision to end her life. Prakriti’s father has also alleged that his daughter had been “harassed and emotionally blackmailed” by Srivastava. In response to these accusations, the police have filed a case, and Srivastava has been arrested on charges of abetment to suicide under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code.
While the investigation into Prakriti’s death is still ongoing, the university campus has become embroiled in further controversy. The protests sparked by the incident quickly gained momentum, particularly among Nepali students, who felt the sting of insensitive remarks made by university staff in the wake of the unrest. In videos that went viral, two university officials were seen confronting demonstrators, with one remarking, “We are feeding and teaching over 40,000 students for free,” and another adding, “That is more than your country’s budget.” These comments, which were perceived as disrespectful to Nepal and its people, ignited a storm of criticism and calls for accountability.
In response to the backlash, university officials issued apologies. Jayanti Nath, the joint director of the girls’ hostel and student affairs, released a video expressing regret for her comments. She explained that her words were a reaction to protests where India had been derogatorily referred to as “corrupt and poor.” Nath maintained that her intention was never to offend anyone, but she deeply regretted the hurt her words had caused. Manjusa Pandey, an associate professor, also issued an apology, clarifying that her remarks were made impulsively and did not represent the views of KIIT.
Despite these apologies, the damage to the university’s reputation has been significant, and the controversy has only intensified the grief surrounding Prakriti’s death. The university has suspended three staff members, including two hostel officials, for allegedly mistreating Nepali students during the protests. This series of unfortunate events, starting with the suicide of a young student, has highlighted deep concerns about campus culture, harassment, and the way sensitive issues are handled within educational institutions.
The case also underscores a larger issue facing many campuses in India: the treatment of students from different cultural and national backgrounds. The remarks made by the university staff not only reflect poor judgment in dealing with a volatile situation but also reveal how tensions between nations can spill over into everyday interactions on university campuses. The response from KIIT has been swift, but whether this will lead to meaningful changes in the institution’s handling of student welfare and multicultural tensions remains to be seen.
As the investigation into Prakriti Lamsal’s tragic death continues, there is a broader need for universities across India to examine how they address both student mental health and the growing pressures that students face. This incident has left many wondering whether enough is being done to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for students, regardless of their nationality.
