NHRC India orders probe into Nepali student’s suspicious death at KIIT

KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has directed a high-level investigation into the suspicious death of Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, who was studying at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Feb 16.

On Feb 28, the NHRC instructed the Director-General (Investigation) to send a team of officials from the Commission’s Investigations and Legal Divisions to conduct an on-site inquiry at KIIT and submit their report by March 10, 2025.

In addition to the main investigation, the NHRC has also tasked the team to look into allegations of exploitation of tribal students and illegal land acquisitions by the institution.

Lamsal had filed a complaint alleging mistreatment by her alleged boyfriend, Advik Srivastav, and claimed that the university’s International Relations Office (IRO) had ignored her grievances.

Following her death, Nepali students on campus protested and demanded justice, with reports of verbal abuse, threats, and even physical assaults by university authorities and security guards.

The petition also accused the university’s Social Science Department of exploiting tribal children, violating their human rights, and engaging in illegal land acquisition.

Considering the severity of the case, the NHRC has directed the Registrar (Legal) to initiate a thorough investigation at KIIT, Bhubaneswar.

The investigation team will include two officers from the Department of Investigation, a senior officer not below the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police, and one legal department officer.

The team is expected to submit their findings by March 20, 2025.

KIIT has responded, stating that the matter was immediately referred to the police for a detailed investigation, and actions have been taken against the officials responsible.

Over 400 Nepali students have reportedly returned to the campus, reassured by the actions taken by the university.

Although the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of KIIT publicly apologized, the university has expressed serious concern over the ongoing negative campaign against KIIT, KISS, and its founder, Achyut Samanta.