Following the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student from Butwal studying at KIIT University in India, concerns over the safety of Nepali students have intensified. Students have reported feeling unsafe after facing alleged assaults and mistreatment while demanding a fair investigation into the incident. In response, they have outlined an eight-point set of conditions that must be met before they return to their hostel and resume their studies.
Nepali Students’ Eight-Point Demands:
- Justice for Prakriti Lamsal – Authorities must take legal action against those responsible for her death.
- Independent Police Investigation – The university’s hostel warden and officials should be investigated for taking control of the victim’s body before the police arrived, violating due process.
- Accountability for Negligence – Complaints previously filed by the victim at the International Relations Office should be examined. Those who ignored or dismissed her grievances must be held accountable and removed from their positions.
- Action Against Discriminatory Remarks – Certain hostel teachers allegedly mocked Nepal’s national budget, comparing it to the university’s expenses. Such individuals should be suspended and barred from working in educational institutions.
- Public Apology and Accountability – Officials who ordered attacks on students must issue a public apology and face legal consequences.
- Release of CCTV Footage – Authorities must make available the CCTV footage from February 17, after 8 AM, to ensure transparency.
- Compensation for Displaced Students – The university must cover the travel costs of students who were forcibly displaced from their hostels.
- Correction of False Statements – The university must retract its false press release, which claimed that students left voluntarily, and acknowledge the truth—that students were forcibly removed and assaulted.
Reports of Targeted Attacks on Nepali Students
In the wake of their protests, Nepali students have reported being specifically targeted. According to eyewitness accounts, a group of around 10–12 men, allegedly acting as bouncers, forcibly entered the hostel rooms of Nepali students around 8 AM. They reportedly asked whether the students were Nepali and, upon confirmation, subjected them to physical assault.
Students also claim they were ordered to pack their belongings within minutes, threatened with further violence if they delayed, and had their mobile phones confiscated. The assailants allegedly searched their phones for messages and social media posts, attacking those who refused to comply.
The demand for a fair investigation into Lamsal’s death had already put Nepali students in a vulnerable position. A video has surfaced showing a security officer assaulting a Nepali student, further raising concerns about their safety.
Urgent Calls for Protection and Investigation
Nepali students have formally requested the Nepali Embassy in Delhi to secure CCTV footage from the KP 8A, KP 8B/C, and KP 26 hostel blocks between 7 AM and 12 PM on February 17. Additionally, reports have emerged that some students were chased toward railway stations by authorities.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has assured Nepali students of their safety. Meanwhile, Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed serious concern, prompting Nepal’s embassy to dispatch officials to the site. Despite efforts to ensure the safe return of students to their university, many remain fearful.
As the incident gains wider attention, Indian media outlets have begun reporting on the situation. Authorities have also deployed police at railway stations in an effort to escort Nepali students back to campus. Speculation suggests that the Chief Minister and Education Minister of Odisha may visit the university, which could explain the university administration’s seemingly softer stance.
However, Nepali students continue to demand justice and safety, fearing further repercussions.
