Odisha govt assures action after probe as another girl student of KIIT University found dead within months of Prakriti Lamsal’s death

The death of another Nepali girl student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University on Thursday has triggered widespread concern across Odisha. The State Law Department has also taken cognizance of the case. 

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday stated that legal procedures have begun with police officials initiating investigation into the death of the student. 

The Odisha government is determined to ensure that justice is served. All aspects — including student safety, mental health support, and institutional accountability — will be thoroughly examined during the probe, said the Minister.

“It is a legal matter as a student has ended her life. Only after a detailed investigation, we can say something about it.  All the aspects will be taken into consideration during investigation, and anybody found guilty will be punished,” said Harichandan.

Odisha Revenue Minister on Female Student's Death in KIIT

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari also expressed deep sorrow, terming the tragedy “unfortunate and troubling.” 

Speaking to the media, Pujari on Friday emphasized that such incidents involving students are not only heartbreaking but also reflective of a larger mental health crisis facing today’s youth.

“This is not a good sign. Our younger generation is feeling pressurised and under stress. It is a sensitive issue which is leading to increase in suicides, and this is a matter of grave concern,” said Pujari. 

The Revenue Minister further stated that the Odisha government has taken note of the incident and is actively reviewing the matter. 

“We are investigating this case thoroughly, and appropriate measures will be taken based on the findings by the concerned department minister, secretary and officials and other stakeholders. A road map will be prepared so that the students are not under any kind of stress during exams,” he added.

The incident, which occurred on the KIIT campus premises, involves a female student from Nepal who was reportedly found dead in the varsity hospital, initially suspected to be suicide. 

Following the discovery, local police have initiated a formal investigation into the matter. Preliminary inquiries are underway, and authorities are collecting statements from fellow students, faculty, and hostel staff.

KIIT University Mourns Death of Student

“We deeply mourn for the untimely demise of our beloved student, Ms. Prisha Sah. Today, all senior functionaries of KIIT gathered, expressed their heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with her family, friends, and the student community. May her soul rest in peace,” tweeted KIIT University.

KIIT University Student from Nepal, Prakriti Lamsal’s Death

On February 16, Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student of KIIT University was found dead. Reports said Lamsal was found dead in her room in the varsity hostel. Initial reports suggested that she took the extreme step over her ‘broken’ relationship with a fellow student at KIIT University.

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."