In 2025, KIIT University in Bhubaneswar faced scrutiny following the deaths of two Nepalese students in its hostels .
Key Points:
- Second Incident: In May 2025, a Nepalese undergraduate student was found dead in her hostel room, the second such incident in three months . She was a first-year B.Tech Computer Science student from Birgunj, Nepal .
- Initial Assessment: Police treated the case as a suspected suicide and started an investigation .
- Post-Mortem: A post-mortem examination was conducted at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar with the consent of the student’s parents, and the process was videographed .
- Earlier Incident: In February 2025, another Nepalese student, Prakriti Lamsal, was also found dead in her hostel room . Her death led to protests and criticism of the university .
- Harassment Allegations: It emerged that Prakriti Lamsal had filed a complaint with the International Relations Office (IRO) alleging sexual harassment by a fellow student, but no immediate action was taken .
- Government Response:
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed condolences and offered support to the family, assuring close coordination with Nepali authorities and the Odisha government .
- Nepal’s Foreign Minister initiated diplomatic efforts to investigate the incident .
- The Odisha government pledged a thorough investigation .
- UGC Investigation: The University Grants Commission (UGC) formed a four-member fact-finding panel to investigate the suicides and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The panel was also tasked with evaluating the university’s mental health support system .
- Student Protests: The incidents sparked unrest among international students, who demanded better grievance redressal mechanisms, mental health support, and a safer campus environment .
- Police Investigation:
- Police recorded statements from hostel staff and checked the deceased student’s laptop and mobile phone .
- An “unnatural death” case was registered at the Infocity police station .
Summary:
The deaths of two Nepalese students at KIIT University in early 2025 prompted investigations by the police and the UGC, along with protests from students demanding improved safety and support measures .for more news on Indian society click www.eminentnews.com
