Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the tragic death of a Nepali girl student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday constituted a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The committee, headed by former Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Prof. Nageshwar Rao, has been tasked with examining the case in detail, reviewing safety protocols in student hostels, and submitting its report at the earliest. The move comes amid growing concern from the student community, the Nepalese diplomatic mission in India, and human rights groups.
The deceased, Prisha Shah, an 18-year-old first-year B.Tech student from Birganj, Nepal, was found dead in her hostel room on Thursday evening. According to police sources, Shah was discovered hanging in her room, and preliminary investigations suggest it to be a case of suicide. However, the authorities have not ruled out other possibilities and have stated that a thorough probe is underway.
This marks the second such incident involving a Nepali student at KIIT University within three months. Earlier, on February 16, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, was also found dead by suicide in her hostel room, raising serious questions about student welfare and mental health support on campus.
Reacting to the incident, Odisha law minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday assured that the state government would leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for the deceased and her family.
“The Odisha government is determined to see justice served. All aspects — including student safety, mental health support systems, and institutional accountability — will be thoroughly examined during the probe,” the minister told reporters.
He further added, “It is a sensitive legal matter. Only after a detailed investigation can we ascertain the cause and contributing factors. If anyone is found guilty of negligence or misconduct, strict action will follow.”
Meanwhile, the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi has taken serious note of the incident. In a statement issued on Friday, the Embassy confirmed receiving information about the death on the night of May 1, 2025, and promptly initiated contact with relevant authorities, including officials from KIIT, the Bhubaneswar police, the Ministry of External Affairs, and other concerned agencies.
The Embassy has formally urged the Odisha government to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the incident and stressed the need for enhanced safety and support measures for Nepali students studying in India.
“We have received instructions from the ministry of foreign affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister of Nepal to closely monitor this case,” the Embassy stated.
Ambassador Dr. Shankar Sharma personally spoke with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressing grief over the untimely death and requesting a transparent and unbiased inquiry.
The KIIT authorities, while expressing condolences, have pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
A university spokesperson said, “We are deeply saddened by this loss. The university administration is extending all possible assistance to the family and the authorities. An internal review is also being conducted to strengthen student support systems.”