Nepal student’s ‘suicide’ at KIIT Odisha marks second such tragedy in three months

NEW DELHI: A first-year BTech computer science student from Nepal died by suicide at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Odisha on May 1. This marks the second such tragedy at the institute this year following a similar incident on February 16 that prompted student protests and intervention by the Nepal government.

The Nepal embassy in India, while expressing grief on social media, said: “Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Priti Sah at KIIT Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Prayers for her eternal peace.We’re closely co-ordinating with MEA, government of Odisha, police and the university for a thorough investigation.”

The February 16 incident involved 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, also a BTech computer science student, who was found dead in her hostel room.

On April 1, another BTech student from West Bengal Arnab Mukherjee was found dead under mysterious circumstances. The university had filed a missing person’s complaint.

KIIT is a private university founded by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha MP Achyuta Samanta.

KIIT: ‘Alleged suicide’, says Odisha govt

The Odisha government in a statement said, “Information about an alleged suicide of a girl student from Nepal, studying in first year BTech computer science, KIIT University, was received from local police at about 8:10 pm today (Monday). The parents of the girl were informed about the incident immediately by the university authorities.”

It also stated that senior officials, including the commissioner of police and revenue divisional commissioner rushed to the site to investigate the circumstances and take necessary action. “The forensic team is at the spot to collect evidence,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Nepal embassy said it was in constant touch with the Nepali students and KIIT authorities. According to reports, Sah was from Birgunj in Nepal.

KIIT Suicide: Prakriti Lamsal

In the case of the February 16 death, students had alleged that the university had failed to act against the complaint against a fellow student made by Lamsal.

Immediately after the incident, Nepalese students were asked to leave. There was outrage among students after some teachers allegedly made racist comments. Later, two teachers resigned. The KIIT authorities had stated that 159 Nepali students had left the university.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had also taken suo moto cognizance on the matter and initiated action against the university.

On February 20, KIIT announced a scholarship in memory of Lamsal.

The Odisha government had also constituted a high-level committee to investigate the matter. According to reports, Odisha police is known to have arrested the student against whom Lamsal had filed a harassment complaint.