The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has issued a formal apology over some events that unfolded following the suspicious death of a Nepali student at the university on February 16.

In a letter released on Tuesday, Vice-Chancellor Saranjit Singh expressed regret over the events after the student’s death. He apologised for the actions of the authorities towards the protesting students and reiterated the university’s commitment to all its students, regardless of nationality. “We love our students and have never done any disservice to them,” Singh wrote.

Singh also addressed the controversial remarks made by two university officials—who had made derogatory comments about Nepal—calling them “extremely irresponsible.”

He confirmed that both individuals had apologised and were subsequently dismissed from their positions. “Although their comments were made in a personal capacity on the spur of the moment, we do not support their actions,” he stated.

The letter also appealed to displaced Nepali students to return and resume their studies. The university said that it has set up a 24/7 support centre in Campus 6 to assist them.

Meanwhile, the issue has drawn the attention of Nepali parliamentarians. Lawmakers have urged the government to take immediate diplomatic and political steps to ensure the safety of Nepali students studying in India.

During an emergency session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, MPs Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Madhav Sapkota, Dhruv Bahadur Pradhan, and Thakur Gaire called for a thorough investigation into the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech student from Butwal, and demanded action against those responsible.

They also pressed for assurances over the safety of Nepali students at KIIT. Earlier, Speaker Devraj Ghimire had refused to give time to Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Sumana Shrestha when she wanted to speak on the issue on Monday. Later, speaking to the reporters at parliament premises, Shrestha had criticised the Speaker for his “lack of sensitivity”.

Following Lamsal’s death, Nepali students staged protests demanding an impartial investigation. However, they were met with force by campus authorities and security personnel. Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday evening.

Her father, Sunil Lamsal, has accused the institution of mishandling the situation and mistreating Nepali students.

“I sent my daughter far from home for higher education, trusting the institution. I now rely on the Odisha government and police to ensure justice. My daughter is gone, but I hope no other Nepali student suffers the same fate,” he told local media.