Nepal student's death by suicide in Bhubaneswar college sparks protest, one arrested

A third-year Computer Science student from Nepal allegedly took her own life, sparking widespread protests among students at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. 

Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh confirmed that the suicide took place on the evening of February 16, 2025, and a case was immediately registered.

The victim, identified as a Nepalese national, reportedly faced harassment from a third-year Mechanical Engineering student, also from KIIT University. 

According to initial investigations, there is prima facie evidence suggesting that the harassment may have contributed to her tragic decision.

"Upon receiving the information, we swiftly launched an investigation and arrested the accused student. He has been thoroughly examined, and today, he was forwarded to judicial custody," Singh stated.

The incident led to emotional protests by both Nepalese and Indian students, who gathered to demand justice from the university authorities. The unrest was met with a police deployment at KIIT University, where tensions escalated throughout the evening. However, the situation was brought under control by the following morning, with students eventually being reassured by authorities.

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In addition, the police have seized the victim's personal belongings, including a mobile phone, which will be sent to the forensic science laboratory for further analysis. This examination is expected to provide additional evidence to support the ongoing investigation.

As of now, the police are continuing their efforts to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The case remains under close scrutiny as the community demands accountability and justice.

Protesters, including a significant number of Nepali nationals, have raised concerns over the high-handedness of the university administration and its decision to arbitrarily ask Nepali students to vacate the campus. 

They are demanding greater transparency in the investigation, questioning the university's actions and handling of the tragic event. Demonstrators have been chanting slogans such as "We Want Justice" and confronting university officials, calling for accountability.

In response to the situation, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his concern and confirmed that the country's embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel Nepali students in Odisha. 

The embassy also arranged for the affected students to either remain in their hostel or return home.

According to deceased friends, harassment by her ex-boyfriend, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at KIIT, was the driving factor behind her suicide. Her brother has filed a police complaint citing the alleged harassment. 
Following the investigation, the accused student was arrested and charged with abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The police have also seized the victim's mobile phone, which will undergo forensic analysis to uncover further evidence. Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh confirmed the arrest of the accused and assured that the case is being thoroughly investigated.

KIIT University issued a statement acknowledging the suicide, stating that Prakriti was reportedly in a romantic relationship with another student at the university, and the cause of her death is suspected to be linked to some personal reasons. 

However, the university's decision to force international students from Nepal to vacate the campus has faced heavy criticism, with students pointing out the unreasonable short notice given to make travel arrangements.