Bhubaneswar, Odisha – February 18, 2025
The untimely death of 21-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, a bright and ambitious Nepali student pursuing her B.Tech at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, has left a community in mourning and sparked outrage over systemic failures and institutional negligence. Prakriti, a third-year student, was found hanging in her hostel room on February 16, 2025, while the campus was bustling with the KIIT Annual Fest concert. Her death has been linked to prolonged physical and mental abuse by her boyfriend, Advik Srivastava, who has since been arrested for abetment to suicide.
Prakriti’s tragic story is one of unheeded cries for help. A month before her death, she approached KIIT University’s International Relations Office (IRO), seeking assistance and reporting the abuse and mental harassment she endured at the hands of Advik. Despite her pleas, no action was taken, leaving her to suffer in silence. A leaked flight ticket revealed that Advik had booked a flight to leave Bhubaneswar on the very day Prakriti died, suggesting he was attempting to flee.
The news of her death has ignited widespread protests among Nepali students, who are demanding justice and accountability from the university and authorities. On the night of February 16, Nepali students blocked roads, accusing KIIT of institutional negligence and attempting to suppress dissent by sealing Prakriti’s hostel room, closing hostels, and relocating students without notice. Shockingly, before the protests began, university authorities allegedly entered the hostel, physically assaulted Nepali students, and forced them to leave within 10–15 minutes, threatening them with expulsion if they spoke out.
“We are heartbroken and angry,” said one of Prakriti’s friends, who wished to remain anonymous. “She reached out for help, but no one listened. Now, instead of addressing the issue, the university is trying to silence us. Prakriti deserved better.”
The protests have drawn significant attention, with two police platoons deployed to manage the situation. Nepali students continue to demand a thorough investigation into Prakriti’s death and accountability for those who failed her. Videos circulating on social media show Nepali students confronting university officials, highlighting the systemic indifference that allowed this tragedy to unfold.
Prakriti’s death has not only devastated her family and friends but also exposed the vulnerabilities faced by international students, particularly women, who often struggle to find support in foreign institutions. Her story has become a rallying cry for justice, with many calling for stricter measures to address harassment and ensure the safety of students on campus.
As the investigation unfolds, Prakriti’s loved ones and the Nepali community are left grappling with grief and anger. “She was a kind soul with big dreams,” said a close friend. “Her life was cut short because of someone else’s cruelty and the system’s failure to protect her. We will not rest until justice is served.”
Prakriti Lamsal’s death is a stark reminder of the urgent need for institutions to prioritize student safety and mental health. Her memory will live on as a symbol of the fight against abuse, neglect, and injustice.
