Tragic Echoes: Nepal Calls for Urgent Investigation Following Second Student Death at KIIT

The Nepal Embassy has demanded a “thorough investigation” into the tragic death of 18-year-old Prisa Sah, a Nepali student found unresponsive in her hostel room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. This incident marks the second death of a female Nepali student at the university within a span of three months, raising alarm over the safety of international students.

In a statement, the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi conveyed its condolences to Sah’s family and announced that it is actively coordinating with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the government of Odisha, local law enforcement, and KIIT administration to unravel the circumstances leading to her untimely demise. “Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Prisa Sah at KIIT, Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family,” the Embassy posted on X, previously known as Twitter. “We’re closely coordinating with the MEA, Odisha Government, police, and the university for a thorough investigation.”

Prisa Sah, a first-year Computer Science student, was discovered in her hostel room on April 25. Although local authorities have not issued any formal findings, the incident is under investigation as questions about the conditions at KIIT loom large.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, has confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken immediate diplomatic steps in response to the incident. In her statement, Deuba emphasized, “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.” Expressing her sorrow, she added, “The incident of Prisa Sah…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.”

This recent tragedy echoes a disturbing pattern; in February, another Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, was also found dead at KIIT, a case that was officially classified as a suicide. The coincidence of both incidents has raised serious concerns among the Nepali student community in India, prompting calls for improved campus safety measures and enhanced support for international students at KIIT.

As investigations continue, students and parents are increasingly anxious about the welfare of those studying abroad, particularly in light of these recent events. The Nepal Embassy has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the truth surrounding Prisa Sah’s death is uncovered and that those responsible are held accountable.

The deaths of these young women underscore a need for greater awareness and action regarding mental health and safety on campuses housing international students. Families and communities are left searching for answers in the wake of these avoidable tragedies.

A coordinated, comprehensive investigation is now imperative, not only to shed light on Prisa’s death but also to foster a safer academic environment for all students at KIIT and beyond.

Tags: Prisa Sah, KIIT, Nepal Embassy, international students, student safety, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, mental health.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/nepal-demands-full-probe-after-second-nepali-student-death-at-kiit-in-three-months-1207727-2025-05-02?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 12:54:00