Investigation report links KIIT college negligence to Nepalese students’ deaths

A committee investigating the deaths of two Nepalese students at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, India, has submitted its report.

The Times of India said the college and its administration should be held responsible for the deaths. The report said illegal activities at the college caused the students’ deaths and that these acts may be criminal.

One student, 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, was found dead in the college hostel on 16 February 2025 (4 Falgun 2081). She had complained twice to the college administration about mental abuse and blackmail. But the college did not take her complaints seriously, which led her to take her own life.

After her death, Nepalese students protested for justice on campus. The college administration tried to stop the protests by force. Security guards beat the Nepalese students, and the administration told them to leave the hostel. This increased tension in the campus.

During the protests, the college warned students to leave the hostel. The Nepalese government had to intervene diplomatically. Later, some college staff were punished, security guards were arrested but later released, and an Indian man was also arrested.

The report points out serious issues such as ignoring complaints of sexual harassment, illegal settlements, forced removal of Nepalese students, and use of force by security guards.

On 1 May 2025 (18 Baisakh), another Nepalese student, Prisha Shah, was found dead at the college. The committee formed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) found that the university did not legally handle sexual harassment complaints, had poor hostel facilities, admitted more students than allowed, and used force against students.

The committee also noted poor infrastructure and serious administrative mistakes. Hostels were overcrowded, with three students in one small room. Female international students were housed without cultural sensitivity.

The report said the university prioritized its reputation over laws, rules, and international relations. It said senior staff responsible for handling complaints should face criminal charges because there is no proof the university followed legal processes.

Prakriti had filed complaints twice, but illegal settlements were made instead. The report said the university had the power to punish the accused student after the first complaint but protected him and forced a settlement. This led to her suicide, which could have been prevented.

The committee recommended strict actions, including possibly stopping the university’s expansion and disciplinary action against responsible officials.