Second Nepalese Student Found Dead at KIIT in 90 Days
Bhubaneswar, May 2 — A second tragic incident has rocked KIIT University within just three months, as an 18-year-old Nepalese student was found dead in her hostel room on Thursday evening. The deceased, a first-year B.Tech Computer Science student from Birgunj, Nepal, was discovered hanging from the ceiling fan in her accommodation.
Authorities were alerted around 8:00 PM, prompting an immediate response from the local police and forensic teams. Preliminary investigations suggest suicide, but the final cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report.
“Today, we have received information that a girl from Nepal has died by suicide at the KIIT University. We reached there and investigated the matter. A detailed investigation will be conducted into the matter. The scientific team arrived, and all the necessary details were collected. Her family has been informed. The body has been sent to AIIMS for the post-mortem,” said Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety and mental well-being of international students, especially those from Nepal. Security in and around the university campus has been heightened as investigations continue.
KIIT University
KIIT University, a major private educational institution in Bhubaneswar, has a sizeable population of international students, with many hailing from Nepal. The university previously came under scrutiny following a similar incident on February 16, when Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, was found dead under similar circumstances.
The earlier case had sparked outrage within the Nepalese student community, with protests erupting over the university’s response. In the aftermath, the administration had announced a memorial scholarship and promised better student support and mental health services.
However, the recurrence of such a tragic incident has cast doubt over the implementation and effectiveness of these promises. Students are now demanding immediate reforms, increased counselling support, and accountability from the administration.
Student Welfare in Question
The latest death has intensified the ongoing dialogue about mental health infrastructure, cultural sensitivity, and support systems for international students in Indian universities. Many are urging authorities to take urgent steps to identify systemic gaps and ensure that vulnerable students receive adequate help.
As investigations proceed, pressure mounts on the KIIT administration to provide a clear account of the incident and to reinforce a safer, more supportive campus environment for its diverse student body.
