Tension at KIIT University After Nepali Student's Suicide Sparks Diplomatic Intervention

Bhubaneswar- Tension erupted at Odisha's KIIT University following the suicide of a Nepali student, with the situation escalating to involve diplomatic intervention after the university briefly ordered Nepali students to evacuate campus.

Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced that the evacuation order has been revoked following state government intervention, and efforts are underway to bring students back to campus with state-provided transportation.

The incident garnered attention from Nepal's highest levels, with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli confirming that two embassy officers have been dispatched from New Delhi to counsel affected students. The crisis began when Prakriti, a B.Tech Computer Science student, died by suicide on Sunday following a dispute with her estranged boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, a mechanical engineering student.

Shrivastava was later apprehended at Bhubaneswar Airport while attempting to flee. The tragedy sparked protests by Nepali students, leading to road blockades and demonstrations that prompted the university's controversial, though short-lived, evacuation order.

The state government has taken steps to address the situation, with Minister Suraj emphasizing India's deep ties with Nepal, particularly through Odisha's connection via Lord Jagannath. The state's home department has initiated an investigation, seizing evidence including the accused's diary, laptop, and mobile phone.

KIIT University has appealed for normalcy to resume, requesting all Nepali students who left or planned to leave to return to campus and continue their studies. The incident highlighted the delicate nature of international student relations and prompted swift diplomatic and administrative responses to ensure student safety and well-being.