Student deaths abroad spark outcry; lawmakers call for KIIT ban

KATHMANDU: Members of Nepal’s National Assembly have expressed grave concern over the recent mysterious deaths of Nepali students abroad, particularly at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India.

During an emergency session of the National Assembly on Sunday, lawmakers called for a full-scale investigation, immediate diplomatic intervention, and strong action to ensure the safety of Nepali students studying overseas.

In light of repeated student deaths at KIIT, several lawmakers urged the government to immediately stop issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to students intending to study at the Indian university, citing serious concerns about student safety and institutional negligence.

Tula Prasad Bishwakarma of the Rastriya Janamorcha demanded an immediate halt to all NOC issuances for KIIT-bound students.

Similarly, Madan Kumari Shah of the CPN (Unified Socialist) echoed this sentiment and urged parents to remain vigilant about the safety of their children studying abroad.

Mohammad Khalid from the Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal, Shekhar Kumar Singh of the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party Nepal, and Krishna Bahadur Rokaya of the Nepali Congress all demanded a thorough and independent investigation into the deaths and called for strict legal action against those found responsible.

Lawmakers Gangakumari Belbase of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and Sumitra B.C. of the CPN-UML also emphasized the urgent need for a detailed probe and accountability for any negligence by the institution or authorities that may have contributed to the tragic incidents.

The primary concern stems from the recent death of Prisa Sah, a Nepali student at KIIT University, who was found dead in her dormitory room. It was revealed that she was discovered in room number 111 on the fourth floor, under suspicious circumstances.

Another similar death of a Nepali student occurred within the past three months, raising fears of a pattern. Lawmakers rejected the university’s claim that these deaths were suicides due to failed relationships or stress, demanding that the government not accept such narratives without concrete evidence.

“Such deaths cannot be casually dismissed as mental health issues or failed romantic relationships,” said Madan Kumari Shah. “Two Nepali daughters have died within three months in the same university under similar conditions. This is no coincidence—it’s a serious institutional failure.”

Krishna Bahadur Rokaya stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to uncover the truth and ensure justice for the victims. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had begun coordination efforts for student safety at KIIT, which hosts around 40,000 students, including nearly 1,200 Nepalis.

Gangakumari Belbase went further to allege that foreign students who outperform local students often face hostility, disappearances, and even fatal attacks.

She urged the government to form a special investigation committee and consider revising NOC issuance policies based on age and academic performance.

Sumitra B.C. underscored that students who leave Nepal with dreams of a brighter future should not return in coffins. “The government must not only ensure a transparent investigation but also intensify efforts to secure justice and prevent such tragedies from recurring,” she said.

The lawmakers across party lines united in their message: Nepal must prioritize student safety abroad and reconsider partnerships with educational institutions that fail to protect international students. They also demanded that the government report findings through Parliament and take immediate measures to prevent future incidents.

As pressure mounts, the government now faces calls not only for justice and accountability but for a fundamental rethinking of how it safeguards its young citizens abroad.