Bhubaneswar, Odisha – A Rising Concern Over Student Safety
The unexpected death of an 18-year-old Nepalese student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar has opened a Pandora’s box of concerns surrounding the welfare of international students, especially from Nepal. Found dead in her hostel room on the evening of Thursday, her passing marks the second such incident within a mere three months, prompting a urgent demand for accountability and reform.
The deceased student was a first-year undergraduate enrolled in the Computer Science B.Tech program. She hailed from Birgunj, a city located about 135 kilometers from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Authorities confirmed that her body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in her hostel room, leading to immediate investigations. Police were notified of the incident around 8:00 PM, following which forensic teams were dispatched to the scene to gather evidence.
Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh stated that this incident is currently being treated as a suspected suicide. “We have initiated a detailed investigation into the matter. The scientific team has collected all necessary details, and her body has been sent to AIIMS for a post-mortem examination,” he explained. The tragic occurrence has raised alarms regarding the safety and well-being of international students, particularly from Nepal, leading to increased security measures around the campus.
A Disturbing Pattern: History Repeats Itself in Just 90 Days
This tragic event is not isolated; it follows the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student from Nepal, who was also found dead in her hostel room at KIIT on February 16. The circumstances surrounding Lamsal’s demise sparked outrage within the Nepalese student community, leading to widespread protests. Lamsal had previously expressed concerns about sexual harassment from a fellow student, and despite filing a complaint with the university’s International Relations Office, the administration reportedly took no immediate action, leading to serious backlash from students and civil rights groups.
The outcry following Lamsal’s death was evident, culminating in a condemnation from India’s National Human Rights Commission, which labeled the university’s inaction as “gross negligence.” The accused was arrested shortly after Lamsal’s death, further amplifying the existing demands for better safeguards for students within the university structure.
Earlier last week, KIIT’s campus had already been under scrutiny for its approach to student welfare, especially regarding the mental health and safety of international students. As per the report by[The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com), the continuous allegations against the university regarding negligence and lack of support have intensified calls for change.
Government and Institutional Responses: Words Without Action?
In light of the recent developments, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed condolences and reaffirmed their commitment to support the bereaved family. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of a Nepali student at KIIT University. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and have been in constant communication with the Odisha state government,” read an official statement.
Odisha’s Department of Information and Public Relations also voiced their condolences and assured the public of a thorough investigation. Diplomatic channels have been activated by Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, who confirmed that the Nepalese Embassy is involved in ensuring transparency and accountability. “We pray for eternal peace for her soul and will ensure that the truth of this incident is uncovered,” Deuba stated via social media.
Despite these official responses, many are questioning whether words will translate into meaningful action. Students and organizations advocating for their rights have taken to social media and public platforms to express their displeasure with the university’s handling of both incidents.
The Call for Accountability: A Demand for Change
The situation has prompted student bodies, especially those representing the Nepalese community, to label the incident as a “disturbing pattern” indicative of neglect by the university administration. “This is not an isolated incident; two Nepalese girls have died within the same hostel in the span of three months. We demand a transparent and accelerated investigation,” asserted Samar Bahadur, spokesperson for the Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj.
Other student organizations, including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), have joined the call for an independent inquiry, arguing that repeated tragedies cannot be ignored any longer. A spokesperson for ABVP stated, “The authorities must confront these incidents head-on and ensure that the safety and well-being of students is prioritized.”
The wave of unrest has manifested in student gatherings around the hostel premises, where demands for enhanced grievance redressal mechanisms, improved mental health support, and a safer university environment are being vocally advocated. While there have been no reports of violence, the heavy police presence around the campus indicates a serious concern from law enforcement about potential unrest.
Moving Forward: A Plea for Student Welfare
The heart-wrenching incidents at KIIT have served as a rude awakening regarding the treatment and welfare of international students in India. The tragic loss of two young lives has brought to the forefront significant issues that require immediate attention from the university and government authorities alike. As the investigations unfold, stakeholders hope for meaningful change that would ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all students irrespective of their nationality.
Students, parents, and advocates are calling for revamped support systems, open channels for grievances, and accountability from university administration to ensure such tragedies do not repeat in the future. The safety of students is not merely an administrative issue; it is a moral obligation that requires urgent redressal.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the need for actionable reform and safeguarding the future of every student within educational institutions remains paramount. The eyes of many are now on KIIT and its administration to respond adequately to this grave situation.
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