Death of KIIT University student Prisha Sah: MEA expresses condolences, in touch with Odisha govt

Back to back incidents of deaths of girl students from Nepal at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University hostels in Bhubaneswar have triggered concerns among people.

Taking note of the death of another Nepali girl student Prisha Sah on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed grief over her demise.

In a statement, the MEA wrote, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of a Nepali student of KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time.”

The Ministry of External Affairs further informed that it has been in constant touch with the Odisha Government since the matter came to light.

What All MEA Said Over Second Nepali Student’s Death

“The State Government of Odisha has extended full support to the family of the deceased, and a thorough enquiry is currently being conducted by the Odisha Police, the MEA said in a statement. Government of India takes the safety, security and well-being of all international students very seriously. We remain in close contact with the Nepali authorities, the Odisha State Government as well as KIIT management to ensure real-time communication and coordination in this matter,” MEA said.

Response from Nepal Embassy over Death of Prisha Sah

Earlier in the day, the Nepal Embassy contacted and held discussions with representatives of the institution, police authorities and officials from the Ministry of External Affairs of India, apart from other concerned parties.

The Embassy of Nepal also demanded an independent and impartial investigation of the incident and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all Nepali students studying at the KIIT University.

The Embassy has also received necessary instructions from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister regarding this matter.

The Nepal Embassy is in continuous contact and coordination with Nepali students at KIIT University, the Central Government of India, the Office of the Chief Minister of Odisha, and other relevant Indian authorities. Additionally, this morning, the Embassy summoned representatives from the University to gather more information about the incident.

The Embassy is also maintaining regular contact with the bereaved family of the deceased. The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the grieving family and prays for eternal peace for the soul of the late Prisha Sah.

KIIT University's Response

"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.
Upon discovering the incident, the hostel authorities promptly informed the local police. The police arrived at the scene, and the student's body was recovered in their presence. She was immediately taken to KIMS Hospital, where she was declared brought dead. Subsequently, the body was transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for further procedures. Upon receiving the news, senior police officials reached the scene and monitored all the procedures along with a scientific team and carried out a preliminary investigation immediately," the varsity said in an official release.

It further said, "The University administration has informed the student's family immediately 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."