Nepali Student Found Dead in KIIT Hostel: Second Suicide in Three Months

First-year B.Tech Computer Science student from Nepal found dead in KIIT University hostel in Bhubaneswar, marking the second suspected Nepali student suicide on campus within three months.

The victim, Prisha Saha from Birgunj, Nepal, was discovered hanging in the girls' hostel after she did not respond during the 7 PM attendance check. No suicide note has been recovered so far. A forensic team has been deployed to investigate, and a case of unnatural death has been registered, according to Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh. Her friends are cooperating with authorities.

The Odisha government expressed condolences and assured support to her family. Senior officials, including the Police Commissioner and Revenue Divisional Commissioner, were dispatched to the scene. Forensic teams are collecting evidence to determine the cause.

Authorities are also examining whether external factors contributed to the incident, amid ongoing concerns about campus safety for international students.

This incident follows a similar tragedy on February 16, when another Nepali student died by suicide in the same hostel, leading to protests by Nepali students over alleged harassment and perceived inaction, which resulted in the arrest of a fellow student.

The Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj has called for a comprehensive investigation, demanding accountability and proper action against any offenders. Similarly, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has urged authorities to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing the need for a proper probe into the repeated tragedies.