- By Shubham Bajpai
- Sat, 03 May 2025 07:53 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The University Grant Commission (UGC) has formed a fact-finding committee of four members under the chairmanship of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Vice Chancellor Nageshwar Rao, to investigate the alleged suicide deaths of Nepali students at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar.
The committee, led by Rao, will examine the circumstances surrounding these alleged suicides and ensure compliance with student welfare and safety regulations. Upon complete examination, the fact-finding committee will also suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future.
Other members of the committee include:
-Shashikala Wanjari, Vice Chancellor, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), as a member.
-HCS Rathore, Former Vice Chancellor, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, as a member.
-Sunita Siwach, Joint Secretary of UGC as the coordination officer.
Second Nepali student died by suicide within 3 months
On Thursday evening, a Nepali student was found dead in her hostel room in KIIT. It was the second such case of a student from a neighboring country found dead in the institute within three months.
The earlier case had garnered widespread attention as allegations of intimidation by fellow students were raised. It later escalated into a major controversy involving accusations of discriminatory and degrading remarks made by university staff towards Nepali students.
The latest case has triggered similar reactions. Nepal's Foreign Minister reacted to the incident, demanding a thorough probe into the matter, a demand echoed by the neighbouring country's envoy in New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later confirmed that it was in contact with the state government and an investigation is underway.
What did Police found so far?
On Friday, Bhubaneswar Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh said that following preliminary findings in the case related to the death of the Nepali girl at the KIIT, "Prima facie, it appears to be a suicide case," as she was found hanging in her hostel room on Thursday evening.
Speaking to ANI on the matter, Singh said the girl's body was transferred to Bhubaneswar for post-mortem, and a probe on the matter was currently underway.
"Prima facie, it appears to be a suicide case, as she was found in a hanging position inside a locked room. All evidence has been collected. The body has been sent to AIIMS for post-mortem. An investigation is underway. I have spoken to the Nepali embassy. Police arrangements have been made outside KIIT University, where the situation is normal," Bhubaneswar CP said.
Furthermore, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bhubaneswar Jagmohan Meena stated that she was found hanging inside her room during a routine attendance check.
"During the investigation, it was found that when the hostel warden was taking evening attendance, one student did not respond. On checking, the girl was found hanging inside her room. She was immediately shifted to a local hospital. The body is now kept at AIIMS, and the girl's parents have been informed. The girl hailed from Nepal. She was studying B.Tech and was in the first year. No note was found in the girl's room," he added. Earlier in February, Prakriti Lamsal also died by suicide at the same university.
(With ANI Inputs)
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