New Delhi, May 02: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Prisha Sah, an 18-year-old student from Nepal studying at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar. In an official statement, the MEA conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and affirmed its close coordination with both Odisha and Nepali authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.
The MEA stated, it has been in “constant touch” with the Odisha State Government since the incident was reported. “The State Government of Odisha has extended full support to the family of the deceased, and a thorough enquiry is currently being conducted by the Odisha Police,” the ministry said. Emphasising India’s commitment to the safety and well-being of international students, the MEA added that it is working in close coordination with the Government of Nepal, the Odisha administration, and KIIT University.
The student, identified as Prisha Sah, reportedly was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her hostel room on Thursday evening. Media reported that no suicide note was recovered from the scene, though a forensic investigation is underway. Police have registered an unnatural death case, and a scientific team is examining the premises.
The death of Sah has sparked renewed concerns, as it follows closely on the heels of a similar tragedy. Earlier incident led to campus protests, allegations of blackmail, and accusations that university authorities had mishandled the matter. Following widespread outcry, the Odisha government had formed a high-level committee, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had initiated a probe. Several university employees were arrested, and an Indian student was jailed for allegedly abetting death of an earlier case.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched diplomatic efforts to ascertain the facts as reported by PTI. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba expressed sorrow over Sah’s death and said that Nepal is pursuing the matter with senior Indian officials. “Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated diplomatic initiatives to investigate the truth… through high-ranking officials of the Government of India, the Government of Odisha, and the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi,” she said in a statement, reports news agency.
Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar P Sharma, also posted condolences on social media and confirmed that the embassy is in active contact with Indian authorities to ensure a comprehensive inquiry. “We are closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt., police & the university,” he said.
Media reported that the Odisha Police Commissioner, who visited the KIIT women’s hostel confirmed that an unnatural death case has been filed and said that the investigation would be detailed and science-based. “We have not recovered a suicide note, but a scientific team is examining the scene thoroughly.”
In February, after protests over another Nepali student’s death, the university faced backlash over reports that Nepalese students were forcibly evicted and told to return to their country. The matter even reached Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who urged New Delhi to ensure justice for Nepali students studying in India. The MEA’s swift response this time and its assurance of close coordination underscore the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the repeated tragedies. The ministry reiterated that the Government of India treats the safety of international students as a priority and would continue working to ensure justice and transparency in this case.
