Tragic Incident at KIIT: Another Nepali Student Found Dead in Hostel

A Disturbing Trend at KIIT University

Bhubaneswar: A tragic event unfolded at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, where a Nepali student was discovered deceased in her hostel accommodation. This incident marks the second suspected suicide of a Nepali student on campus in just three months, according to sources.

The Infocity police have commenced an investigation into this unfortunate occurrence, as confirmed by Police Commissioner S Devdutt.

This incident follows the death of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal on February 16, whose suicide ignited significant protests and raised serious concerns regarding institutional negligence. Lamsal had previously lodged a complaint regarding sexual harassment with the university's International Relations Office in March 2024, nearly a year prior to her passing. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) later criticized the university for its inaction, labeling it as 'gross negligence.'

In response to Lamsal's death, over 1,000 Nepali students were temporarily removed from the campus amid protests, although most have since returned after receiving assurances from both the university and the Odisha government.

The Odisha High Court has put a hold on NHRC proceedings against KIIT, citing a breach of natural justice, as the university claimed it had not been afforded a chance to present its case.

Details regarding the latest deceased student and the specifics surrounding her death have yet to be disclosed by authorities.