Bhubaneswar – The vibrant energy of KIIT University’s Annual Fest on February 16 was violently punctured by the tragic death of a third-year B.Tech student, Prakriti, a 21-year-old from Nepal. Her lifeless body was discovered hanging in her hostel room while music echoed across the campus. What initially appeared to be a case of suicide quickly unraveled into a disturbing narrative of prolonged abuse, institutional negligence, and a university scrambling to silence dissent.
Love Turned Toxic: The Allegations Against Boyfriend Advik Srivastava
Sources close to the investigation allege that Prakriti endured months of physical and mental harassment at the hands of her boyfriend, Advik Srivastava. Friends and fellow students have detailed a pattern of coercive control, verbal abuse, and emotional torment. A chilling phone recording that surfaced posthumously reveals the extent of this abuse, with explicit content and relentless verbal attacks.
Perhaps most damning is the leaked flight ticket showing Advik had booked his escape from Bhubaneswar on the same day Prakriti died. Whether driven by guilt or the premonition of justice catching up, his attempted flight raised immediate suspicion. He was later arrested on charges of abetment to suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code.
Cry for Help Ignored: Institutional Failure Exposed
A month before her tragic end, Prakriti sought help from the International Relations Office (IRO) at KIIT University. She detailed her suffering and the abuse inflicted by Advik. Instead of support, she was allegedly met with indifference. Her pleas were brushed aside – a decision that, in retrospect, feels like a death sentence.
When news of her death broke, Nepali students erupted in protest, blocking roads and demanding accountability. They accused the university of trying to suppress the incident. Reports claim authorities sealed Prakriti’s room, locked down hostels, and deployed two police platoons to quell the rising dissent. The situation, however, spiraled further.
Hostels Locked, Students Driven Out: The Crackdown
Before dawn on February 17, university officials allegedly stormed hostels housing Nepali students. Eyewitnesses recount scenes of panic as students were given just 10-15 minutes to vacate. Over 300 Nepali students, most without train tickets, were forced to scatter across railway stations in Bhubaneswar. Videos circulating on social media capture heated confrontations between university officials and Nepali students, who accused the administration of verbal abuse and threats.
“Pack your bags and leave,” one university official was reportedly heard saying, adding insult to grief.
The Power Dynamics: Wealth, Influence, and Legal Loopholes
Advik Srivastava’s father is a prominent lawyer, a detail that has fueled suspicions of an impending cover-up. Students fear the arrest is a mere formality and that Srivastava could soon walk free. The legal clout of his family has sparked anxieties about justice being trampled under privilege.
#JusticeForPrakriti: Social Media Uprising
As the physical protests simmered under police presence, the digital revolt caught fire. The hashtag #JusticeForPrakriti trended on social media platforms, amplifying demands for a thorough investigation. The narrative online is laced with frustration over institutional apathy and the systemic failure to protect vulnerable students.
KIIT’s Damage Control or Suppression?
In its official statement, KIIT expressed condolences and promised cooperation with authorities. However, this is seen as little more than a face-saving gesture. Allegations of hostel lockdowns, forced evictions, and intimidation of students paint a different picture—one of a university prioritizing reputation over responsibility.
What Happens Next?
The Odisha Police have assured a comprehensive investigation, but skepticism remains high. Students demand an independent probe free from the influence of wealth and power. Nepalese authorities, too, have been alerted, with the Embassy monitoring developments closely.
Prakriti’s death is more than a tragedy; it is a mirror reflecting the dark underbelly of campus life where abuse, institutional negligence, and power politics intertwine. Her story underscores the urgent need for universities to prioritize student welfare over public image.
As students chant “Justice for Prakriti” outside the closed gates of KIIT, the question echoes louder than ever: Will this be another tale of forgotten cries, or will it ignite lasting change?