Kathmandu: Two officials from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar, India, have issued an apology after facing backlash for threatening Nepali students and making derogatory remarks about Nepal.
The controversy erupted amid student protests demanding a fair investigation into the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old Nepali student found dead in her hostel room on Sunday night.
Associate Professor Manjusha Pandey, who had claimed that the university’s spending exceeded Nepal’s annual budget, apologized on social media, stating, “I apologize for hurting the sentiments of my Nepali brothers and sisters.” Her remarks, made during a heated exchange with protesting students, were captured in a viral video.
Similarly, Jayanti Nath, joint director of the girls’ hostel and student affairs, also issued an apology through a video message.
She expressed regret for her remarks, clarifying that her words were a reaction to accusations against her country and institution.
The incident has drawn diplomatic attention, with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba confirming that two senior officials from the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi have reached KIIT University to ensure the safety of Nepali students and coordinate with Indian authorities on the investigation.
Tensions escalated after university officials allegedly mistreated Nepali students protesting Lamsal’s death. Some students reported being physically assaulted, threatened, and forcibly evicted from their hostels on Monday morning, leaving them stranded at a local train station.
The Nepali government has urged Indian authorities to conduct a fair investigation into the incident while ensuring the safety and well-being of Nepali students at the university.