In a shocking incident at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a 20-year-old Nepali B.Tech student was found dead in her hostel room on February 17, 2025. Allegations suggest that the young student suffered harassment at the hands of a fellow student—a claim that has ignited a firestorm of protests and drawn attention from diplomatic circles.
What Happened?
The tragedy unfolded within the confines of the university hostel, raising serious questions about campus safety and administrative oversight. Initial reports suggest her death, allegedly linked to prolonged harassment, triggered immediate unrest among Nepali students at the institution. As emotions ran high, protests escalated into violent confrontations. Security personnel reportedly resorted to baton charges, and many students were forcibly evicted from their hostels in a desperate attempt to restore order.
Campus Chaos and Student Uproar
Eyewitness accounts and on-ground reactions captured the raw emotions of the affected students. One student expressed frustration, stating, "यति सानो कुरालाई किन ठूलो बनाएको भनेपछि, त्यहाँ अझ ठूलो विवाद र झगडा हुन्छ।" This statement highlights concerns over a recurring pattern of mismanagement and heavy-handed responses from university authorities.
Reports further describe how security forces conducted aggressive baton charges inside the hostel, leading to widespread panic. Students alleged that authorities forced them to delete photos and videos documenting the chaos, creating an atmosphere of fear and repression.
Administrative and Diplomatic Response
The university's initial decision to expel all Nepali students further inflamed tensions, leaving many stranded and uncertain about their academic future, especially with final examinations approaching. The incident soon gained international attention, prompting intervention from Nepal’s Prime Minister. He urged swift justice, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
In response, the Odisha government established a high-level investigation committee and suspended key university officials, including security personnel and hostel administrators. These actions signaled an effort to address concerns and ensure accountability.
Ongoing Concerns and Calls for Justice
Although the university later retracted its decision and called Nepali students back, the damage had already been done. The trauma experienced by students, combined with lingering fears of future reprisals, has fueled widespread demands for systemic reform and greater transparency.
Social media campaigns and petitions—one on Change.org that quickly amassed over 22,000 signatures—reflect a broader call for accountability and a safer, more respectful environment for all students.
Conclusion
The tragic death of the Nepali student at KIIT University is not just an isolated incident—it is a wake-up call for educational institutions to re-examine campus security, administrative practices, and student welfare policies. As protests continue and investigations unfold, there remains hope that these painful events will lead to lasting change and justice for all those affected.
References
- Times of India
- Transcript of on-ground reactions
- The Nepali Comment
- picture (google)
Tragedy at KIIT: Nepali Student’s Death Sparks Protests, Violence, and Diplomatic Uproar