Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) hostel in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, earlier this week.
During a weekly media briefing on Friday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and outlined several measures being taken following the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of the Nepali student at KIIT in Bhubaneswar. The Government of India accords high priority to the safety, security and well-being of all international students in our country,” Jaiswal said.
According to Jaiswal, the MEA has maintained constant communication with both the Odisha government and KIIT authorities since the incident came to light. “Several arrests have been made, including the accused, and cases have been filed against them. The Odisha government has also established a high-level fact-finding committee to investigate the matter, based on whose findings appropriate legal and administrative actions will be taken,” he added.
Jaiswal also said that the Odisha government has taken steps to facilitate the return of Nepali students and ensure their safety and continued participation in academic activities. “The local police in Bhubaneswar has set up a 24/7 helpline for the Nepali students,” he added.
Lamsal, a third-year BTech student at KIIT, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday evening. After Nepali students protested her death and called for a fair investigation, the KIIT management suspended the students and ordered them to vacate the university campuses immediately. It, however, extended apologies and revoked the suspension following criticism from all quarters.
