KIIT Tragedy Escalates: Students Beaten, Forced NDAs, and Minister’s Son Involved – Odisha & Nepal Governments Intervene
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The tragic death of 20-year-old Nepalese student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University has sparked massive outrage, with shocking new details emerging about student beatings, forced NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements), and political influence in the investigation. The incident has led to diplomatic pressure from Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, forcing the Odisha government to intervene.
Adding further controversy, it has been revealed that the accused, Advik Srivastava, is the son of Uttar Pradesh Minister Manoj Srivastava, raising concerns over political interference in the case.
What Happened at KIIT?
📌 Incident Date: February 16, 2025
📌 Victim: Prakriti Lamsal, 20-year-old Nepalese B.Tech student
📌 Cause of Death: Alleged suicide following harassment
📌 Accused: Advik Srivastava (son of UP Minister Manoj Srivastava)
📌 Arrest Date: February 17, 2025
📌 Legal Status: Sent to judicial custody
According to reports, Prakriti had repeatedly complained about harassment by fellow student Advik Srivastava, but the university allegedly failed to take action. The situation escalated when she was found dead in her hostel room, which led to massive protests by Nepalese students demanding justice.
Instead of addressing the issue, the KIIT administration allegedly expelled over 500 Nepalese students from the university, further fueling outrage and diplomatic intervention from Nepal.
Reports of Student Beatings, Forced NDAs & Threats
🚨 Students Beaten by Security Guards & Faculty – Protesters were reportedly attacked by security guards and some faculty members for demanding justice for Prakriti. KIIT teacher Manju Shah Pandey confirmed that Nepalese students were being physically targeted and threatened.
🚨 Forced Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) – KIIT allegedly forced students to sign NDAs, which absolved the university of any responsibility and shifted blame onto the students. Those who refused were threatened with expulsion.
🚨 Nepalese Students Accused of ‘Doing Too Much’ – In a shocking statement, KIIT administration allegedly defended itself, claiming they provide free food and accommodation to over 40,000 Nepalese students and that they were “doing too much” for them. This comment has sparked international condemnation.
Minister’s Son Involved in Harassment Case
The controversy took a political turn when it was revealed that the accused, Advik Srivastava, is the son of Uttar Pradesh Minister Manoj Srivastava. This raises concerns about potential political interference in the investigation.
🚨 Fears of Political Protection:
🔹 Will the investigation be fair, or will the accused receive special treatment?
🔹 Is KIIT protecting influential students over justice for victims?
🔹 Will the Odisha government resist pressure from political figures?
Given the gravity of the allegations, demands for an independent investigation have intensified.
Nepal Government’s Emergency Intervention
The incident has shaken the Nepalese community, prompting direct diplomatic intervention from Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
📢 Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, personally reached out to Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Surjya Narayan Patro, urging:
✅ A transparent and fair investigation into Prakriti Lamsal’s death.
✅ Strict legal action against those responsible for the harassment.
✅ Protection of Nepalese students studying in India.
“I urged Odisha’s Higher Education Minister to ensure justice for Prakriti Lamsal and to take action against those responsible while ensuring the safety of Nepalese students,”
Deuba stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Following diplomatic intervention, the Odisha government took immediate steps:
✅ All expelled Nepalese students were reinstated.
✅ A high-level committee was formed to investigate the incident.
✅ KIIT administration was warned against further discriminatory actions.
Investigation & Legal Developments
While Advik Srivastava has been arrested, concerns remain about whether political influence will shield him from justice.
🚨 Growing Demands for Justice:
🔹 Full accountability for KIIT administration for mishandling complaints and suppressing protests.
🔹 Protection for Nepalese students against further threats or forced NDAs.
🔹 A truly independent probe without political pressure.
Odisha Government’s 24/7 Helpdesk for Students
To restore order and reassure students, the Odisha government has set up a 24/7 helpdesk, with dedicated helplines and a WhatsApp number for students in distress.
Key Officials Leading the Helpdesk:
✅ Kali Prasanna Mohapatra (Director, Higher Education) – Nodal Officer
✅ Rajata Manasingh (Deputy Director) – Assisting in coordination
✅ Nine personnel assigned to work round the clock
This move aims to ensure the safety of students and prevent further harassment.
What Happens Next?
With political influence, university negligence, and institutional failures exposed, the focus now shifts to:
🔹 Will the investigation remain impartial despite political pressure?
🔹 Will Nepalese students feel safe returning to KIIT?
🔹 Will KIIT officials face action for attempting to cover up the issue?
The KIIT controversy has now become a test case for student safety, justice, and government accountability.
A Wake-Up Call for Indian Universities
The KIIT University case is no longer just about one student’s tragic death—it exposes serious flaws in university policies, student safety, and administrative accountability.
Instead of ensuring justice, KIIT’s response of expelling Nepalese students, beating protesters, and forcing NDAs has only worsened the crisis.
📢 The big question remains:
👉 Will justice be served, or will political influence bury the truth?
📢 What are your thoughts on this? Should universities face strict legal action for mishandling student safety cases? Drop your opinions below! 🚨🏛
