Bhubaneswar: Following the February 16 unrest sparked by the alleged suicide of a B.Tech student, KIIT University has reported that 1,000 of the 1,100 Nepalese students who temporarily left the campus have now returned to resume their studies.
The private university issued this statement after Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, informed the Assembly about a government-appointed committee tasked with restoring a conducive academic environment at KIIT.
“Of the 1,100 Nepalese students who left, 1,000 have already returned, and the remaining 100 are on their way,” KIIT said, emphasising the close relationship between the institute and its international student community, particularly students from Nepal.
The Nepalese students had vacated the campus after alleging mistreatment during a protest demanding justice for 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, who died by suicide in her hostel room.
Reports indicated that students were allegedly harassed, verbally abused, and forcibly evicted by KIIT staff.
The incident drew international attention, with Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli raising concerns about the treatment of Nepalese students. KIIT later issued an apology and urged the students to return.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also assured their safety, and the state government established a helpdesk and an International Student Facilitation Cell to support foreign students across Odisha’s universities.
KIIT expressed gratitude to the central government, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Nepalese government, and the Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi for facilitating the students’ return.
The university, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, implemented measures to restore normalcy and ensure student safety.
“In coordination with the Nepal Embassy, student representatives, and parents, we engaged in ongoing dialogue to reassure all stakeholders of the security and support provided at KIIT,” the university said in a statement.
It also highlighted the creation of special grievance redressal mechanisms to address concerns and enhance the student experience.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an on-site inquiry into Lamsal’s death and the reported harassment of Nepalese students.
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A team led by Registrar (Law) Joginder Singh has collected evidence from Odisha Police and held discussions with university officials and students.
The NHRC team is expected to submit its findings by March 10.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government’s high-level committee, headed by the additional chief secretary of the Home Department, is also investigating the matter.
Odisha Police has arrested 11 individuals, including an engineering student, in connection with the case, charging them with abetment to suicide.
KIIT reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching academic environment for all students, emphasising that its efforts to rebuild trust among Nepalese students have been met with renewed confidence.
