“Deeply Saddened by Tragic Demise of Nepali Student at KIIT,” Says MEA

A Nepali undergraduate student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, was found dead in her hostel room on Thursday evening, marking the second suicide of a Nepali student at the institution in under three months and reigniting concerns over student safety and institutional accountability.

On the death of the student, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, as quoted by ANI, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of a Nepali student of KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time. Ministry of External Affairs has been in constant touch with the Odisha State Government since we became aware of the tragic incident. The State Government of Odisha has extended full support to the family of the deceased, and a thorough enquiry is currently being conducted by the Odisha Police.”

The Nepal Embassy in India also posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Prisha Sah at KIIT, Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Prayers for her eternal peace. We’re closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt., police & the university for a thorough investigation. Press release below.”

Bhubaneswar Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh confirmed that the deceased, a computer science student from Nepal’s Birgunj region, was discovered after she failed to respond during the hostel’s evening attendance check at around 7 PM. Singh told reporters, “Today evening at around 7 PM, when attendance was being taken, the concerned student, who was alone in the room, did not respond. Then, upon checking, she was found hanging. Then we were informed. We are conducting an investigation. A scientific team has also reached the spot, and the victim’s room is being searched. The victim's friends are also present, and they are cooperating. Prima facie, no note has been found in the immediate surroundings of the dead body. However, the scientific team is conducting a search. An unnatural death case has been registered as no complaint has been received.” Speaking to PTI, Singh added, “Yes, the body of a girl from Nepal has been recovered. It seems that she has committed suicide at the ladies' hostel of KIIT.”

In February, 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year computer science student at KIIT, was found dead in her hostel room. Police detained a 21-year-old male mechanical engineering student, accused of blackmail and harassment, after intercepting him at Bhubaneswar airport while he was allegedly attempting to flee, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Lamsal’s death led to protests on campus, with Nepali students accusing university administrators of ignoring repeated complaints of verbal and physical abuse. According to OdishaTV, students revealed that Lamsal had made multiple reports to the university’s International Relations Office, but no action was taken. An audio clip that circulated online allegedly captured the accused making derogatory remarks about Lamsal and her mother, further inflaming tensions among students.

The university administration initially described the February case as stemming from a ‘personal dispute,’ with Registrar Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty suggesting relationship issues were involved. The Odisha Higher Education Department summoned KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta for questioning as the protests escalated. Demonstrators blocked roads and damaged property, demanding accountability from university officials.

KIIT University Nepali Student Death Investigation

KIIT faced criticism for reportedly ordering more than 500 Nepali students to vacate the campus and transporting them by bus to Cuttack railway station during the protests. The move caused diplomatic concerns, with Nepal’s government warning it might suspend issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for students planning to study in India unless the matter was resolved. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli deployed embassy officials from Delhi to Bhubaneswar to assist students and liaise with Indian authorities.

Investigations by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) into the February case found the university guilty of institutional failures, including ignoring reports of sexual harassment and violating the student’s right to dignity and equality. A high-powered committee set up by the Odisha government, led by the additional chief home secretary, has yet to submit its report on the matter.