The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, India, on Tuesday said it has taken disciplinary action against its security staff and officials in connection with the incidents that took place following the suspicious death of a Nepali student at the college.

The university said two security staff had been dismissed, while two senior hostel officials and a senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office were suspended pending an inquiry.

The university said it has set up a 24/7 control room at Campus 6 to assist Nepali students in returning. The university said staff were encouraging students to rejoin the campus and apologised for any distress caused by remarks made in the aftermath of the incident.

The university had initially ordered Nepali students to vacate the hostels following a dispute over the suspicious death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student from Butwal. Later in the evening, the university instructed all Nepali students to leave but has now said they can stay if they wish.

Lamsal was found dead on Sunday evening after reportedly facing persistent harassment from an Indian batchmate. Fellow Nepali students alleged that despite previous complaints, the university administration failed to act against the accused.

Following her death, Nepali students staged a peaceful protest demanding justice. However, instead of addressing their concerns, the university ordered them to vacate the hostels.

Lamsal’s cousin, Siddhant Sigdel, alleged that she was blackmailed, leading to distress. The Indian Express reported that an FIR stated her batchmate’s actions pushed her to take the extreme step.

Sunil Lamsal, father of Prakriti, has accused the institution of mistreating Nepali students.

Lamsal, who arrived in Bhubaneswar following the devastating news, expressed his grief and frustration in a conversation with the local media. “I sent my daughter far for higher education, trusting the institution. I have faith in the Odisha government and police and hope justice prevails. My daughter is no more, but I pray no other Nepali student faces such a fate,” he said.