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IUSY is deeply outraged by the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal and calls for immediate action and accountability

IUSY is deeply outraged by the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year Nepali student at KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) in India. Reports indicate that Prakriti died by suicide after enduring abuse from a fellow Indian student. Despite her efforts to seek help by formally lodging a complaint, the university administration failed to act, neglecting its duty to protect her.

Instead of addressing the root causes of the student's distress, KIIT responded to student protests with suppression rather than support, even forcing Nepali students to evacuate their hostel. This reaction highlights a lack of responsibility and protection from the institution, raising serious concerns about the safety and dignity of Nepali students and all students in general at KIIT and beyond.

Prakriti’s death is not an isolated case; it reflects a broader crisis in student welfare, particularly for international students, who are often vulnerable to discrimination, mental health struggles, and institutional neglect.

IUSY firmly believes that academic institutions must be safe spaces where students are protected from harm, discrimination, and negligence. Universities have both a moral and institutional obligation to ensure not only the physical safety of their students but also their mental and emotional wellbeing. Mental health is a fundamental right, and access to mental health support must be a priority. The failure of KIIT to respond to Prakriti’s distress underscores the urgent need for universities worldwide to take student protection seriously and to create environments where student safety and wellbeing are key priorities.

We stand in full solidarity with the Nepal Students Union (NSU) and the Nepali student community in demanding immediate action.

IUSY calls for:

1. A fair and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Prakriti Lamsal’s death.

2. Immediate legal action against the accused student and responsible university officials for negligence and failure to act, including a formal apology from KIIT’s administration for its mishandling of the crisis and a commitment to policy reforms that prioritize student welfare.

3. Protection and safety guarantees for Nepali and international students at KIIT and other institutions in India, ensuring they are free from discrimination and harm.

4. Institutional reforms in universities worldwide to ensure access to mental health support, crisis intervention services, and strong mechanisms for reporting and addressing harassment.

Together with NSU, IUSY calls upon the Government of Nepal, the Nepali Embassy in India, and international human rights organizations to intervene immediately and demand action and justice.

IUSY will continue its advocacy for the protection of student rights, increased mental health awareness among students and young people and institutional reforms in academia to ensure the rights, dignity, and safety of all students.