The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has taken a significant step toward addressing the alarming rise in student suicides at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
On May 2, 2025, the UGC announced the formation of a Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent suicide of Prisha Sah, an 18-year-old Nepali student, and to propose measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. This marks the second suicide of a Nepali student at KIIT within three months, raising serious concerns about campus safety, mental health support, and the treatment of international students.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Nageshwar Rao, former Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), was constituted in response to the death of Prisha Sah, a first-year B.Tech student, who was found dead in her hostel room on the evening of May 1, 2025.
The UGC’s office order, issued on May 2, 2025, outlines the committee’s mandate to “look into the students’ suicide cases at KIIT, Bhubaneswar and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future.” The committee members include Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, Vice Chancellor, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Prof. HCS Rathore, former Vice Chancellor, Central University of South Bihar, Dr. Sunita Siwach, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission, as the coordinating officer. The committee is tasked with submitting its findings within 10 days from the date of the order.
The UGC’s Fact-Finding Committee is expected to address several key areas, including the university’s mental health support systems, campus safety protocols, grievance redressal mechanisms, and the treatment of international students. Recommendations may include mandatory counselling services, anti-discrimination policies, and stricter oversight of student welfare.
In an official press release dated May 2, 2025, KIIT University expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The statement read, “The KIIT authorities are deeply saddened and distressed by the unfortunate incident of a student’s suicide on campus. It is with a heavy heart that we express our deepest condolences on the tragic and untimely death of one of our students from Nepal, a young girl pursuing her studies in the 1st year B.Tech Computer Science.” The university detailed the immediate actions taken following the discovery of the incident: the hostel authorities promptly informed the local police, who arrived at the scene and recovered the student’s body in their presence. Prisha was immediately taken to KIMS Hospital, where she was declared dead. Subsequently, the body was transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for further procedures. Senior police officials monitored the process, and a scientific team conducted a preliminary investigation immediately.
The press release further noted that the university administration informed Prisha’s family and is extending full cooperation to the police in their investigation. “We mourn this irreparable loss and stand in solidarity with her family, friends, and the entire Nepali student community during this extremely difficult time. May her soul rest in peace,” the statement concluded, signed by the Registrar of KIIT University.
According to Bhubaneswar police, Prisha, a native of Birgunj, Nepal, was discovered in a hanging position, and the case is being investigated as a suspected suicide. This follows a similar incident in February 2025, when another Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student, died by suicide after alleged harassment and inaction by the university administration, sparking protests and diplomatic tensions.
The tragic death of Prisha Sah has reignited concerns about the mental health and safety of international students in Indian universities. Reports indicate that KIIT University has faced criticism for its handling of student grievances, particularly those involving international students. In February, following Prakriti Lamsal’s suicide, Nepali students staged protests alleging harassment, racial discrimination, and lack of support from the university. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held KIIT responsible for violating the deceased student’s rights, citing sexual harassment by a classmate and inaction by the university’s International Relations Office as contributing factors to her death. The Odisha government also formed a high-powered committee to investigate the February incident, but its report is still pending.
The recent incident has drawn significant attention from both Indian and Nepali authorities. Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Shankar P. Sharma, expressed his grief over Prisha’s death, stating on X, “Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nepali student Prisha Sah, found in her hostel room at KIIT, Odisha. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Prayers for eternal peace. We are closely coordinating with MEA, Odisha Govt, police & the university for a thorough investigation.” The Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their coordination with Indian authorities for a comprehensive probe.
The Odisha government has also responded swiftly. Senior officials, including the Commissioner of Police and the Revenue Divisional Commissioner, visited the KIIT campus to investigate the circumstances of Prisha’s death. The forensic team is collecting evidence, and the university has informed the student’s family, offering condolences.
