Another student’s death at KIIT shocks Nepal

By Jheruleene Anne Ramos

Another Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in India was found dead in early May, sparking shock and fresh concern across Nepal.

Prisha Sah, 20, a first-year BTech computer science student from Sarlahi district, was found hanging in her college hostel around 8:10pm on May 1, in an apparent suicide case, as cited by the Kathmandu Post. 

Sah’s death shocked her peers, as she had attended classes earlier that day, with classmates recalling she appeared normal and had even asked for notes after class, reflecting her dedication to her studies.

However, she later skipped a practical session and viva that evening, though no one suspected anything unusual, as missing such sessions is common.

“There was no indication of stress or anything unusual. She was always friendly and communicative,” a fellow student said, as quoted by My Republica. 

SSP (Counsellor) Sanjev Das Sharma of the Nepal Police, deployed at the Nepali embassy in India, said Sah’s death remains unclear, as the postmortem report failed to identify any cause. 

“The post-mortem report disclosed nothing conclusive.” 

“Preliminary findings have not determined any cause of death. The investigation is still underway,” he said. 

Family alleges harassment behind death 

Sah’s family, however, accused four Indian students of persistently harassing her both in the classroom and hostel prior to her death. 

One family member also alleged that the frequent harassment occurred in class and during meals, primarily centred around academic issues and teasing fellow students. 

The family added that no immediate action was taken even after repeatedly reporting the case to relevant university officials and police authorities. 

Sah’s father, Shyam Sah, lodged a verbal complaint with Bhubaneswar police, naming the alleged harassers, though police declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

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KIIT, Indian, and Nepali government responses 

Following Sah’s death, the KIIT immediately informed the local authorities, who have launched an investigation regarding the incident. 

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs offered full support to Sah’s family and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of international students, saying the Odisha state government and local police were cooperating closely with Nepali authorities to probe the case.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba confirmed that diplomatic efforts had been initiated to guarantee a thorough investigation in close coordination with the Indian government.

“We are in constant touch with the Odisha government and KIIT management to ensure that the investigation is carried out properly and swiftly,” she said.

Nepali lawmakers urge ban on sending students to KIIT 

In Nepal, lawmakers in the National Assembly have urged the government to stop sending students to KIIT, citing serious concerns over the institute’s ability to protect Nepali students.

During a recent emergency session of the upper house, Tul Prasad Bishwakarma of the Rastriya Janamorcha and Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) demanded the immediate cessation of issuing No-Objection Certificates to any students seeking enrolment at KIIT. 

They emphasised that the institute failed to ensure the safety of Nepali female students, raising concerns about KIIT’s ability to protect foreigners.

Second case in three months 

Sah’s case comes less than three months after another Nepali student, Prakiti Lamsal, was found dead in her campus hostel on February 16. 

Lamsal, a third-year BTech student, allegedly took her own life after enduring prolonged harassment from her boyfriend.

However, students at the university claimed her case involved more than a troubled relationship, pointing to KIIT’s alleged failure to address her repeated pleas for help.

Lamsal’s death had triggered protests across the campus, with students demanding accountability from the university administration.

The back-to-back deaths have sparked outrage in Nepal and intensified concerns over the safety and well-being of Nepali students studying abroad.

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