Mysterious death of Nepali student in India sparks concern in parliament

KATHMANDU: The mysterious death of Nepali student Prisa Sah, who was studying at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, has sparked serious concern in Nepal’s House of Representatives.

During Monday’s emergency session, lawmakers raised critical questions about the incident, prompting Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire to direct the government to take immediate and serious action.

He emphasized that the case is of national sensitivity and urged the government to uncover the truth through diplomatic channels.

Speaker Ghimire instructed the government to initiate high-level diplomatic dialogue with the Indian government and ensure legal assistance and justice for the bereaved family. “Students go abroad carrying dreams of a bright future. The recurring mysterious deaths of Nepali students abroad raise serious questions tied to national responsibility and sensitivity,” he said.

The incident has intensified public suspicion and anxiety, especially in light of a previous case involving the suspicious death of another Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, also enrolled at the same university.

Lawmakers criticized the government’s apparent apathy towards the safety of Nepali students abroad. They called for a stronger commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of those pursuing education overseas.

In response, Speaker Ghimire appealed for long-term policy initiatives to ensure the safety of Nepali students studying abroad. “The government must prepare strategic plans to provide adequate protection, support, and a secure environment for students in foreign countries,” he stated.