In a heartbreaking incident, Shibani Jena, a postgraduate student of Anthropology at Dharanidhar University in Keonjhar, Odisha, was found dead in a private girls’ hostel near the university campus on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The 22-year-old, hailing from Badrampas village under Nandipada police station in the Hatadihi block, reportedly took her own life by hanging herself with a rope tied to her neck.
According to Keonjhar Superintendent of Police (SP) Nitin Kushalkar, the incident came to light around 1 PM when Shibani’s friends, unable to reach her despite repeated calls, grew concerned. They alerted the police through the emergency helpline number 112. Upon arrival, the Keonjhar Town Police found Shibani’s body hanging in her hostel room. The body was recovered and sent to the District Headquarters Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Shibani, daughter of Krushnachandra Jena, was described as a bright and dedicated student by her peers. The news of her death has sent shockwaves through the university and the local community.
As the community mourns this tragic loss, questions linger about the factors that may have led to such a drastic step. The post-mortem report and ongoing police investigation are expected to shed light on this devastating incident.
