By TRN Online, Feb 18 (Economic Times): A 21-year-old student, Advik Srivastava, from Lucknow, has been arrested by police in Bhubaneswar in connection with the tragic suicide of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old third-year BTech student from Nepal. According to local media reports in Odisha, Prakriti allegedly took her life by hanging in her hostel room on February 16. It is believed that a strained relationship with a male student from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) led to the incident.

In the aftermath of Prakriti’s death, students, particularly those of Nepali origin, took to the streets, demanding the arrest of the student responsible for allegedly mistreating her. They believe his actions contributed to her tragic decision to end her life. In response to the incident, the Nepali Embassy in Kathmandu issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to Prakriti’s family. The embassy confirmed that the local authorities had initiated an investigation into the matter. Additionally, KIIT reached out to the Nepali students, encouraging them to return to campus, resume their studies, and stay in the hostels. The institution assured that the students' academic losses would be managed.

Indian Embassy in Kathmandu Statement: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu conveyed its sadness over the death of the Nepali student at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, and offered condolences to her family. The embassy assured that the authorities were investigating the incident and that KIIT had urged Nepali students to return to their classes and hostels. The university also promised to make up for any academic losses caused by the incident.

What happened? : Earlier in the afternoon, more than 500 Nepali students enrolled in the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) were forced to leave the campus in Bhubaneswar. The private institution in the state of Odisha announced sine-die for all Nepali students sending bus-loads of Nepali students to Cuttack Railway Station, 30km from the institute.

A notice issued by KIIT says, "The university is closed sine die for all the international students from Nepal. They are hereby directed to vacate the university campus immediately today on February 17, 2025." Students stated that they were visibly distressed and anxious as they didn't have the necessary tickets to return home. Some even claimed that they were preparing for examinations which are set to start from the last week of February.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Rising Nepal.