In a deeply troubling development, a second Nepali student has reportedly died by suicide at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, reigniting concerns over student safety and institutional accountability.
Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), expressed concern on social media platform ‘X’ after the death of the student, identified as 1st-year B.Tech student Prisha Saha from Birgunj, Nepal. Her body was reportedly found hanging in her hostel room on Thursday night.
“Yesterday, another Nepali girl student of Odisha’s KIIT University committed suicide,” Kanoongo wrote, adding that the NHRC had already investigated a similar incident just weeks ago and issued recommendations to the university, pointing out lapses in safety protocols.
However, those recommendations were stayed by the Orissa High Court after the university challenged the Commission’s findings.
The earlier case, dating back to February 16, 2025, involved the death of 20-year-old Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal, also found dead in her hostel room. The NHRC’s probe into that case highlighted procedural failures and prompted widespread outrage after allegations surfaced that university authorities mistreated the deceased’s peers.
Now, with another life lost under eerily similar circumstances, the NHRC has decided to take official cognizance once again. The recurrence has sparked renewed debate over the security and mental health support systems available to international students in Indian institutions.
KIIT University, in an official tweet, stated, “We deeply mourn the untimely demise of our beloved student, Ms. Prisha Sah… All senior functionaries expressed their heartfelt condolences and stand with her family and friends.”
As the investigation unfolds, public demand grows for more transparent and effective safety protocols on university campuses — especially those housing students from abroad.
