Nepalese Student Found Dead at KIIT Hostel in Bhubaneswar, Suicide Suspected

Bhubaneswar: A first-year Nepalese student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, was found dead in her hostel room on Thursday evening in what is suspected to be a case of suicide. The deceased, identified as Prisha Shah from Birgunj, Nepal, was pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science and residing alone in room number 111 of campus number 4.

According to officials, the university received information about the incident from the local police at around 8:10 PM. The tragic discovery was made after Shah failed to respond during the hostel’s evening attendance check at 7 PM. Upon opening the door, authorities found her hanging in her room.

“When hostel staff noticed no response from the room, they entered and found the student hanging. A scientific team was immediately dispatched, and an investigation has begun,” said Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh, who was present at the scene along with other top officers and a forensic team. “The room is being thoroughly searched for any clues,” he added.

Fellow students are being questioned and are fully cooperating with the investigation. Shah’s parents have been informed through the Nepalese Embassy, and the post-mortem will be conducted at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar in their presence once they arrive.

In a statement issued late Thursday evening, the Odisha State Government expressed its grief and pledged full support to the bereaved family.

“Information about an alleged suicide of a girl student from Nepal, studying in first year B.Tech, Computer Science, KIIT University, was received from local police at about 8:10 PM today. The parents of the girl were informed about the incident immediately by the university authorities. In this hour of distress, the State Government extends its support to the family of the deceased and offers its condolences. On receipt of the information, senior officers including the Commissioner of Police and Revenue Divisional Commissioner rushed to the site to enquire into the circumstances and take necessary action. The forensic team is at the spot to collect evidence.”

The incident follows a similar tragedy in February 2024, when another Nepalese student at KIIT reportedly died by suicide, sparking widespread protests and raising questions about student mental health services on campus.

With this latest incident, KIIT authorities are once again under scrutiny, especially concerning the support provided to international students. So far, the university has not released an official statement addressing the death or outlining any preventive measures.

Police have seized the body for post-mortem examination, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the death.