NHRC Probes Death of Nepalese Student at KIIT University

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepalese student at KIIT University. A team led by Joginder Singh, Registrar (Law), NHRC, arrived in Bhubaneswar on Thursday to probe the circumstances surrounding her death and allegations of harassment that preceded the incident.

As part of the inquiry, the team questioned university officials, staff members, and students for nearly five hours. Among those interrogated were former staff members Manjusa Pandey and Jayanti Nath, as well as the hostel warden. The probe also extended to claims of attacks on Nepalese students by university personnel.

Later in the day, Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh and Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena met with the NHRC team and handed over relevant documents requested for the investigation. The Commissioner assured that the police would fully cooperate with the NHRC in its fact-finding efforts. The inquiry team is expected to revisit KIIT University on Friday for further investigation.

Lamsal, a third-year Computer Science student, was found dead in her hostel room on February 16. Reports suggest that she died by suicide after allegedly facing harassment from a fellow engineering student. Despite raising her concerns with the university’s International Relations Office, she reportedly did not receive justice.

The inquiry team has been directed to submit its report by March 10.