Bhubaneswar, May 2 (PTI) Concerned about the safety of Nepalese students at KIIT in Odisha, the government of the neighbouring country on Friday initiated diplomatic efforts to ensure a high-level probe into the death of the 18-year-old girl studying here, a day after she was found hanging in the technology institute.
The body of the BTech computer science student, Prisa Sah, was recovered from her hostel room at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) on Thursday evening, police said.
The incident comes 74 days after Prakriti Lamsal, another Nepalese student of the same institute, died by suicide on February 16.
There are around 1,000 Nepalese students in KIIT, according to officials.
The Nepal Embassy also took up the matter with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who assured them of all kinds of safety and security for students from the neighbouring country.
The embassy also contacted officials of KIIT, a statement issued by the Nepal government said.
In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said it was "deeply saddened" over Prisa's death.
MEA said it has been in constant touch with the Odisha government since it learnt about the "tragic incident".
The ministry said the state government had extended full support to the family of the deceased, and a thorough inquiry is currently being conducted by Odisha Police.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time," the Ministry said.
Taking to X, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said: "The incident of Prisa Sah, a Nepali student studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India, being found dead in her hostel room has left us deeply saddened. I pray for the eternal peace of Prisa's soul and express my deepest condolences to her family at this sad hour."
"Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated diplomatic initiatives to investigate the incident through high-ranking officials of the Government of India, the Government of Odisha, and the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi," she added.
A press statement by the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi said: "After receiving information, the embassy, upon direction from the Nepal government, contacted KIIT and asked them to ensure a proper investigation into the incident and safety of Nepalese students on the campus."
Nepal’s Ambassador Dr. Shankar P. Sharma requested Odisha CM and the Chief Secretary to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident, according to an official statement.
The embassy said it was in touch with Nepalese students, KIIT authorities and both the central and Odisha governments to coordinate efforts and ensure the safety of the country's students.
"The embassy also called a KIIT representative to the embassy and sought information about the incident," the statement said.
While the Odisha government described the incident as "unfortunate," the KIIT in a post on X said: "We deeply mourn the untimely demise of our beloved student, Ms. Prisa Sah. Today, all senior functionaries of KIIT gathered, expressed their heartfelt condolences and stood in solidarity with her family, friends and the student community. May her soul rest in peace."
Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh told PTI that the deceased’s parents will reach Bhubaneswar on Friday evening, after which the post-mortem examination will be conducted.
Her body has been kept in AIIMS Bhubaneswar and police have registered an unnatural death (UD) case at Infocity police station.
However, police haven't recovered any suicide note from the spot. "The fresh incident took place in the same hostel and the same floor where Prakriti's body was found," another officer claimed.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said investigation has already started and action will be taken only after preliminary investigation, while the state’s Revenue and Disaster Minister Suresh Pujari expressed concern over youngsters being driven toward suicide.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo in a post on X said: "Yesterday, another Nepalese girl student of Odisha's KIIT died by suicide. In a similar incident last month (referring to Prakriti's case), the NHRC investigated and issued its recommendations, pointing to procedural lapses in ensuring the safety of students. However, the University approached the Hon’ble Odisha High Court and the Court stayed the recommendations of the Commission. We are taking cognizance of the recent incident."
The death of the Nepalese student in February had triggered protests after reports suggested that the victim was allegedly blackmailed, and she ended her life for not getting justice from the institute's authorities.
Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli had also raised the issue at the diplomatic level.