Nepali student found dead again at KIIT
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, after Shah, originally from Birgunj, was discovered hanging.
KATHMANDU: Prisa Shah, a Nepali student enrolled at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, was found dead on Thursday night in a hostel room.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, after Shah, originally from Birgunj, was discovered hanging.
Shah, a second-semester undergraduate student, was sharing the hostel room with another Nepali student. Her classmate, Suyog Lamsal from Rupandehi, expressed deep shock, noting the emotional impact on the student community. “Everyone is in fear — not just Nepali students, but all of us. Shah was a hardworking and respectful individual who got along well with others,” said Lamsal.
Following the discovery, the college administration, local police, and representatives from the Nepali Embassy arrived at the scene.
Bhubaneswar police have stated that a postmortem will not be conducted until Shah’s family arrives.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken the incident seriously, initiating diplomatic steps with the Government of India, the Odisha State Government, and the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba confirmed that efforts are underway to ensure a thorough fact-finding investigation.
This tragic event follows a similar incident at KIIT earlier this year.
On Feb 16, Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old student from Bhairahawa, was also found dead in her hostel room.
At that time, concerns were raised about possible mental abuse and blackmail, and the college administration’s response was heavily criticized.
The National Human Rights Commission of India labeled the university’s inaction in that case as a serious lapse.
Currently, around 1,500 Nepali students are enrolled at KIIT.
The recurrence of such incidents has led to widespread concern and anxiety among students and their families.
Many students have voiced that they feel unsafe and are under constant mental pressure, calling for an impartial and in-depth investigation.
There is growing public expectation that both the Indian and Nepali governments, along with relevant institutions, will take urgent and effective measures to investigate these tragedies, support the bereaved families, and ensure the safety and mental well-being of all Nepali students studying in India.
