 |
|
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has sparked a significant investigation and widespread outrage. The incident, initially reported as a suicide, has raised serious concerns about potential harassment and mistreatment of international students within the university's environment. A three-member high-level committee, appointed by the Odisha government, commenced its probe on Wednesday, aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding Lamsal's death and determine whether any negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the tragedy. The committee, comprising senior officials from the Home Department, Women and Child Development, and Higher Education Department, visited the university campus, conducting interviews with various stakeholders, including university staff, students, and potentially witnesses to relevant events leading up to the student's demise. This thorough examination aims to produce a comprehensive report for the Odisha government, providing critical insight into the institutional processes, student support systems, and overall safety measures in place at KIIT University.
Central to the investigation is Advik Srivastava, Lamsal's estranged boyfriend, who has been arrested by the police and is currently a key person of interest in the case. The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack police commissioner, Dev Datta Singh, publicly announced their application for a three-day remand for Srivastava, emphasizing the need for detailed interrogation to corroborate allegations of harassment and gather further evidence. The police have seized Lamsal's laptop and mobile phone, submitting them for forensic analysis, hoping to uncover digital evidence that might shed light on her experiences and any possible interactions with Srivastava that might indicate patterns of harassment or abuse. The thoroughness of the police investigation underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are approaching the case and their commitment to pursuing justice for the deceased student.
The incident has transcended the local level, drawing significant attention from both the Nepali and Indian governments. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke directly with Nepali Counsellors Sanjeeb Das Sharma and Navin Raj Adhikari, assuring them of a thorough investigation and a commitment to justice. He has appealed to other Nepali students at KIIT University to return to their studies, emphasizing his efforts to restore peace and normalcy to the campus. The Nepali delegation also engaged in discussions with various Odisha ministers and the Chief Secretary, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing the issue and ensuring the safety and well-being of Nepali students studying in Odisha. Nepal's Foreign Minister, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, also engaged in communication with the Odisha Higher Education Minister, further solidifying the diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter. This cross-border collaboration indicates the shared responsibility and concern for the well-being of international students.
Meanwhile, protests continue on the KIIT University campus, with students and student organizations demanding justice for Prakriti Lamsal. These demonstrations underscore the sense of grief, anger, and a pressing need for accountability within the university community. The protests also serve as a platform to raise broader concerns regarding the safety and well-being of students and the need for more robust mechanisms to prevent and address instances of harassment and violence on campus. The ongoing investigation and the emotional response from both within and outside the university indicate a multifaceted issue that requires not only legal and judicial responses but also a significant review of institutional practices and safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The outcome of the investigation and any resulting actions will have implications not only for KIIT University but for other educational institutions across India, emphasizing the responsibility to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, particularly international students.
The case of Prakriti Lamsal's death highlights the vulnerability of international students and underscores the need for improved support systems within educational institutions. Universities have a crucial role to play in creating safe spaces that are free from harassment and violence, providing effective channels for reporting incidents, and guaranteeing that thorough investigations are conducted when necessary. The collaborative effort between the Nepali and Odisha governments underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing such incidents, demonstrating that justice transcends national boundaries. The long-term consequences of this case will likely necessitate changes in university policies, student support programs, and potentially legal frameworks to address effectively the complexities and challenges faced by international students studying abroad.
Source: 3-Member Committee Visits KIIT University, Begins Probe Over Nepalese Student Death