Press Release

      Embassy of India, Kathmandu has been following up with authorities of the Government of Odisha as also with the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) with regard to the tragic death of Nepali student Ms. Prakriti Lamsal and related developments. 

2.    The State Government of Odisha has taken cognisance of the matter and taken steps against the erring officials involved. The Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneshwar has informed that a criminal case has been registered against the accused student and he has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Odisha Police has also taken cognisance of the manhandling of students by KIIT security personnel, arrested them and registered a criminal case. Odisha Police has assured an objective, impartial and just investigation in the cases.

3.    The State Government of Odisha has placed KIIT under notice and constituted a High Level Fact Finding Committee under Additional Chief Secretary Home Department. Appropriate legal and administrative action shall be taken based on the findings of the High Level Committee. Reports of misconduct against students are also being investigated and those responsible will be held accountable as per the law. 
 
4.    Odisha Police has shared a 24 x 7 helpline number – +91-8280338301 – that Nepali students in need of assistance may contact. The Government of Odisha has conveyed its commitment to ensure safety, dignity and well-being of all students, including Nepali students and that it will take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served swiftly and fairly.

5.    KIIT has also terminated the service of two security staff, and suspended two senior hostel officials and one senior officer of the International Relations Office pending enquiry.

6.    The Vice Chancellor of KIIT has issued a public apology expressing regret for the comments and behaviour of their staff and appealing to all Nepali students to join regular academics. 

7.    KIIT has withdrawn the ‘sine die’ order and issued an appeal to Nepali students to return to campus and resume their classes. It has also set up a dedicated 24 x 7 control room on campus to facilitate the return of Nepali students.

8.    The Government of India will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of Nepali students in India. 

Kathmandu, Nepal
18 February 2025