Tragic Death of Nepali Student at KIIT University Sparks Investigations and Reforms

Listen to this article

EDUCAST,

The recent death of 18-year-old Nepali student Prisa Sah at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has reignited outrage and scrutiny over the safety and treatment of international students in India. Sah, a first-year B.Tech Computer Science student from Birgunj, Nepal, was found hanging in her hostel room on May 1, marking the second such incident involving a Nepali female student at KIIT in less than three months.

New Incident Adds to Mounting Tensions

According to police reports, Sah failed to respond during evening roll call around 7:00 p.m. on May 1. When hostel authorities checked her room, they found her hanging. The police were informed around 8:10 p.m. and a forensic team was dispatched. Commissioner of Police S. Dev Dutta Singh stated that no suicide note was recovered and no allegations have been made yet. The body has been sent to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for autopsy, with her family expected to be present.

KIIT University issued a statement expressing condolences and said it is cooperating fully with authorities. The Government of Odisha confirmed it has informed the victim’s family and extended support during this tragic period.

February Tragedy and Aftermath

This recent case follows the February 16 death of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, another Nepali student at KIIT. Lamsal, a third-year Computer Science student, was also found dead in her hostel room. Her death triggered mass protests by Nepali students, who accused the university of ignoring prior complaints of harassment.

Lamsal had reportedly filed a sexual harassment complaint in March 2024 against a fellow student, Advik Srivastava. Despite this, no significant action was taken by the International Relations Office (IRO) of KIIT. Following her death, Srivastava was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide and remains in judicial custody.

Protests, Evictions, and Arrests

The initial mishandling of Lamsal’s case led to an eruption of protests across the KIIT campus. Students reported mistreatment and were allegedly evicted from their hostels and dropped at railway stations without any formal arrangements. The Odisha government, responding to growing outrage, ordered disciplinary action against university staff found guilty of negligence and abuse.

Ten individuals, including senior staff and security personnel, were arrested in connection to the mistreatment of Nepali students. Some have since been granted bail, but the incident highlighted deep-rooted institutional flaws.

Human Rights and Government Response

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) initiated an on-site investigation into Lamsal’s death and broader human rights violations, with a detailed report expected by March 10. Simultaneously, the Odisha government formed a high-level committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to recommend long-term institutional reforms.

In a significant move, the Odisha Higher Education Department launched the International Student Facilitation Cell, tasked with assisting foreign students and creating a more secure and supportive educational environment.

Diplomatic and Bilateral Engagement

The tragedies prompted swift diplomatic engagement from Nepal. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba expressed her grief over Sah’s death and called for a thorough investigation. Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, confirmed ongoing coordination with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the Odisha government, and KIIT University.

Earlier, former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli had also voiced concern about the treatment of Nepali students in Indian educational institutions, demanding accountability and better safeguards.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

These back-to-back tragedies have underscored systemic issues surrounding the welfare of international students in India. As investigations continue, the international community and human rights groups are closely monitoring KIIT University and the Odisha government’s response.

The need for institutional accountability, timely redressal of complaints, and a safer environment for international students is now more urgent than ever.