Why Did Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister Express Grief Over the Death of a Nepali Student in Odisha?

Click to start listening
Why Did Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister Express Grief Over the Death of a Nepali Student in Odisha?

Synopsis

The tragic death of a Nepali student at KIIT University in Odisha has prompted Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, to take diplomatic action. With two Nepali students having taken their lives recently, this incident raises serious concerns about student safety in foreign institutions.

Key Takeaways

  • The tragic death of Prisha Shah has raised serious concerns about the safety of international students.
  • The Nepali government is taking diplomatic measures to investigate the incident.
  • The Odisha government has promised support to the deceased's family.
  • This incident follows another recent suicide of a Nepali student at the same university.
  • A thorough inquiry is underway to understand the circumstances of the tragedy.

Bhubaneswar, May 2 (NationPress) The Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal, Arzu Rana Deuba, expressed profound sorrow on Friday regarding the demise of a Nepali female student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

She stated that following the revelation of this incident, the Nepali Government has engaged in diplomatic efforts to uncover the details surrounding the unfortunate passing of the Nepali student.

“The tragic event involving Prisha Shah, a Nepali student enrolled at KIIT University in Odisha, India, who was discovered deceased in her hostel room, has deeply affected us. I offer my prayers for the eternal peace of Prisha’s soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” Deuba commented.

“Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated diplomatic channels to seek clarity on the situation through senior officials from the Government of India, the Odisha Government, and the Nepali Embassy in Delhi,” she added.

The Nepali Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar P Sharma, confirmed that the Embassy is actively collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Odisha officials, law enforcement, and university management to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

Previously, the Odisha Government had released an official communication promising full support to the grieving family.

According to the statement, information regarding the alleged suicide of the first-year B. Tech, Computer Science student from Nepal was received from local law enforcement on Thursday.

It further stated that the university authorities promptly informed the student's parents about the incident.

“In this time of sorrow, the State Government offers its assistance to the family of the deceased and extends its sympathies. Upon receiving the news, senior officials, including the Police Commissioner and the Revenue Divisional Commissioner, quickly went to the location to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and to take necessary actions. A forensic team is also present to collect evidence,” the Odisha Government’s statement indicated on Thursday night.

Notably, Prisha Shah was discovered hanging in her hostel room on Thursday evening. She was swiftly transported to a nearby private medical college, where she was declared “brought dead” by the medical professionals.

Her body was subsequently moved to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, for a postmortem examination, scheduled for Friday upon the arrival of her family.

Shah's parents are expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar later today.

This incident is particularly alarming as it marks the second suicide involving Nepali students at KIIT University within three months.

Earlier, the university faced scrutiny following the suicide of another Nepali female student, Prakriti Lamsal, on February 16, along with reported assaults on other Nepali students by the institution's security personnel.

Point of View

It's essential to approach this sensitive issue with both compassion and a commitment to uncovering the facts. This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for greater oversight and support for foreign students, particularly in light of recent events at KIIT University. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, and we hope for a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies.
NationPress
17/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Nepali student at KIIT University?
A Nepali student named Prisha Shah was found dead in her hostel room at KIIT University in Odisha, raising concerns about student safety.
What actions have been taken by the Nepalese government?
The Nepalese government, through its Foreign Affairs Minister, has initiated diplomatic efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
How has the Odisha government responded?
The Odisha government has assured full support to the bereaved family and is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Have there been any similar incidents recently?
Yes, this incident marks the second suicide involving Nepali students at KIIT University within three months.
What is the reaction of the Nepali Embassy in India?
The Nepali Embassy in India is coordinating closely with Indian authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the case.