Investigating Shocking Double Suicide of Nepalese Students at KIIT Bhubaneswar
Nepal initiates diplomatic efforts to investigate the fatal incident involving another student at KIIT in Odisha.
Backdrop: Two Nepalese students studying at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, India, have tragically taken their own lives within a span of three months. This heartbreaking turn of events has sparked local and diplomatic probes, bringing fresh scrutiny to the educational institution.
Previous Tragedy
- First Incident (Feb 2025): The chilling scene unfolded only two and a half months ago when a young 20-year-old Nepalese student, studying computer science, was found dead. Allegations swirled that she was blackmailed and harassed by a fellow student named Advik Shrivastava, leading to public outrage and accusations of racial remarks by faculty members [4][5].
- Backlash and Investigation: The university's mishandling of the situation fueled further discontent, with Nepalese students facing reprisals and violent evictions from campus grounds. As a result, the Odisha government set up a fact-finding committee and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) carried out an investigation [4].
Latest Casualty
- Second Incident (May 2025): Recently, an 18-year-old girl from Nepal, a first-year computer science student, was discovered lifeless in her hostel room, leading people to suspect she tragically took her own life [2][3][5].
- Investigations: Bhubaneswar police, led notably by Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh and DCP Jagmohan Meena, are conducting a detailed investigation, having sent the deceased student's mobile phone and laptop for forensic analysis [3][4]. Friends and hostel staff are being questioned to shed light on the circumstances leading to her demise [3].
Diplomatic Moves
Given the seriousness of these suicide incidents, Nepal has taken a proactive initiative to investigate thoroughly and prioritize the safety and welfare of Nepalese students in India. Previously, Nepal's Prime Minister involved the highest levels of diplomacy to advocate for justice for the protesting Nepalese students, acknowledging the gravity of the situation [3].
This tragic sequence of events has given rise to a heightened level of diplomatic attention, as officials from both nations strive to ensure the best possible environment for Nepalese students pursuing higher education in India.
- The government of India, along with the authorities in Bhubaneswar, is currently investigating the double suicide of Nepalese students at KIIT University, which has brought general-news attention and sparked politics discussions.
- During the first incident in February 2025, allegations were made that a Nepalese student was blackmailed and harassed by a fellow student, which the government acknowledged as a cause for concern.
- The tragic suicide of a second Nepalese student in May 2025 has high lighted challenges faced by Nepalese students within the Indian education system, leading policymakers to actively address these issues.
- India's political leaders, striving to maintain diplomatic ties with Nepal, have taken steps to ensure the welfare of Nepalese students studying in Indian universities and institutions, such as KIIT University.
- In the midst of these tragic events, numerous student organizations in India have expressed their sadness and called for changes in the Indian education system to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
- Furthermore, PTI (Press Trust of India) has reported that the Indian government is considering implementing new measures to improve the safety and support for international students, addressing concerns raised by the recent high-profile suicides.
- To address the political repercussions of these tragedies, the annual cricket series between India and Nepal has been left in doubt, as officials announce a suspension of all sports engagements until a resolution is reached regarding the well-being of Nepalese students in India.
