The recent suicide of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has ignited outrage on social media, prompting protests as students call for justice. Reports indicate that Prakriti, a 21-year-old third-year B.Tech student, took her own life on February 16 after enduring persistent harassment from her ex-boyfriend, Advik. Even more troubling are claims that the university attempted to downplay the incident instead of pursuing justice.
The Tragic Incident
Prakriti Lamsal was discovered dead in her hostel room at KIIT University. Sources reveal that she had lodged a complaint against her ex-boyfriend four weeks before her death, alleging mental harassment and abuse. However, it appears that university officials did not take any meaningful action, which may have contributed to her tragic decision. The lack of response and negligence from the institution has raised significant concerns regarding student safety, particularly for international students pursuing their education in India.
In the wake of her tragic death, Nepali students at KIIT University took to the streets to demand justice for Prakriti. Instead of addressing their grievances and ensuring accountability for the perpetrator, the university allegedly chose to suppress the situation. Reports indicate that all Nepali students were instructed to leave the campus immediately, further victimizing those already affected.
Adding to the turmoil, there are alarming allegations that KIIT University officials made racist comments, including a remark that "meals cost more than Nepal’s GDP." If these claims are accurate, they reveal a troubling level of discrimination that international students may encounter in India.
Escalation of Violence Against Protesters
The situation escalated when videos emerged showing university officials using force against students who were protesting for justice. The footage reportedly depicts security personnel and university representatives physically attacking students before forcibly removing them from the campus and railway stations. These actions create a disturbing image of the institution’s response to the crisis—characterized by violence and suppression rather than a commitment to justice and reform.
The hashtag #JusticeForPrakriti is currently trending, with thousands of individuals calling for justice for Prakriti and demanding action against those accountable. Social media users are appealing to Odisha’s Chief Minister and the Central Government to step in and take prompt measures to ensure justice is achieved. Many are drawing parallels with the media coverage of other cases, expressing hope that Prakriti’s story will receive similar attention as other high-profile incidents.
The Larger Issue: India’s Failing Justice System
This situation goes beyond a single university or student; it highlights a much more significant issue in our nation. How can India position itself as a global education hub when international students face mental harassment, racism, and negligence from institutions? How can students feel secure when authorities seem to prioritize their reputation over a student's well-being? This case serves as a stark reminder that India’s educational institutions, law enforcement, and judicial systems require urgent reforms to safeguard students, regardless of their nationality or gender.
The inability to effectively address harassment complaints, the poor treatment of international students, and the harsh suppression of protests reveal the weaknesses in our legal and educational frameworks. If immediate action is not taken against those at fault, it will only encourage more institutions to hide crimes instead of ensuring accountability.
The heartbreaking death of Prakriti Lamsal serves as a crucial reminder. It highlights the urgent need for justice, improved student safety, and a shift in focus for institutions to prioritize lives over their reputations. KIIT University must face accountability, and decisive action should be taken against those who harassed Prakriti and violently suppressed protests. We must keep raising our voices until justice is achieved, as silence today could lead to another tragic loss tomorrow.
What Can You Do?
- Raise Awareness – Share this story using #JusticeForPrakriti.
- Demand Action – Tag authorities on social media and call for an official investigation.
- Support the Protesters – Stand in solidarity with students advocating for justice.
- Hold Institutions Accountable – Push for enhanced safety measures for all students, particularly women and international students.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Let’s ensure Prakriti’s voice is not silenced.
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