Bhubaneswar: The Nepal Government has initiated steps through diplomatic channels to probe the death of an 18-year-old Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba informed on Friday.
In a post on X, the Foreign Minister said, “Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated diplomatic initiatives to investigate the truth of the incident through high-ranking officials of the Government of India, the Government of Odisha, and the Nepali Embassy in Delhi.”
She also expressed deep grief over the death of a Nepali female student. “The incident of Prisha Sah, a Nepali student studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India, being found dead in her hostel room has left us deeply saddened. I pray for the eternal peace of Prisa’s soul and express my deepest condolences to her family at this sad hour.”
भारतको ओडिसास्थित कलिंगा इन्स्टिच्यूट अफ इन्डस्ट्रियल टेक्नोलोजी (केआईआईटी) विश्वविद्यालयमा अध्ययनरत नेपाली छात्रा प्रिसा साह आफ्नै होस्टेल कोठामा मृत भेटिएको घटनाले निकै मर्माहित बनाएको छ। प्रिसाको आत्माको चिर शान्तिको कामना गर्दै यस दुखद घडीमा उनको परिवाजनमा गहिरो समवेदना… pic.twitter.com/ojPdVadvXI
— Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba (@Arzuranadeuba) May 2, 2025
A first-year Computer Science BTech student, Shah was found in a hanging position in her hostel room inside KIIT University campus on Thursday evening, suggesting that she committed suicide. She was immediately rushed to the nearby private medical college where the doctors declared her “brought dead”. Her body was later shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, for the postmortem, which will be held after the arrival of her family members.
The incident came barely two-and-a-half months after Prakriti Lamsal, another Nepalese student of the same institute, died by suicide on February 16.
Meanwhile, Nepal Embassy has demanded an impartial and independent probe in the matter.
Taking to X, Nepal Ambassador Dr Shankar Sharma shared a press statement on the tragic death of Nepali student Prisha Sah at KIIT. “We are closely coordinating with Ministry of External Affair, Odisha government, police and the university for a thorough investigation,” he wrote.
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. pic.twitter.com/EPheGgC0t2
— Nepal Embassy, India (@EONIndia) May 2, 2025
KIIT Condoles Death Of Student
“We deeply mourn for the untimely demise of our beloved student, Ms. Prisha Sah. Today, all senior functionaries of KIIT gathered, expressed their heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with her family, friends, and the student community. May her soul rest in peace,” KIIT posted on its X handle.
“We urge everyone to refrain from spreading or believing unverified claims. The matter is currently under police investigation, and KIIT is extending full support to the authorities. In sensitive situations, misinformation can lead to unnecessary distress. Please rely only on official updates from authorised sources,” it added.
‘Such Incidents Are Unfortunate’
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday termed the incident as unfortunate. “It is not about a Nepali student. Youngsters are being driven toward suicide, which is a matter of concern. The students seem to be under extreme duress.The Odisha government is seriously reviewing the incident,” he said.
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said that investigation into the incident has begun. “The police are doing what they are supposed to. The department has also started taking necessary steps. Action will be taken only after the preliminary investigation,” he told reporters.
On Thursday, the Odisha government had extended support to the family of the deceased & offered condolences to them. “Information about the alleged suicide of a girl student from Nepal, studying in the first year B Tech, Computer Science, KIIT University, was received from local police at about 8.10 pm today. The parents of the girl were informed about the incident immediately by the university authorities. In this hour of distress, the State Government extends its support to the family of the deceased and offers its condolences to them,” the Information and Public Relations Department said.
“On receipt of the information, senior officers, including the Commissioner of Police and Revenue Divisional Commissioner, rushed to the site to enquire into the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident and take necessary action in the matter. The forensic team is at the spot to collect evidence,” it added.
Meanwhile, BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo expressed concern over death of the Nepali student at the university. “For the second time, a young Nepalese student has been found dead in Odisha, allegedly by suicide. This speaks of a systemic gap in how the (KIIT) University is addressing the welfare of the students. This is not good for Odisha’s image in foreign countries like Nepal. It will severely impact the migration of students and tourism into the state of Odisha. The government, as usual, has failed to address this matter. I have not seen a comment from the leadership or the higher education department…,” he told ANI.
Police Probe
“During the investigation, it was found that when the hostel warden was taking evening attendance, one student did not respond. On checking, the girl was found hanging inside her room. She was immediately shifted to a local hospital. The body is now kept at AIIM,S and the girl’s parents have been informed. The girl hailed from Nepal. She was studying in BTech first year. No note was found in the girl’s room. The situation is normal, and to assist the authorities, we have deployed our personnel. We have spoken to the girl’s friends,” Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena told ANI.
