Death of Nepali Student Sparks Calls for Better Safety for Foreign Students

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Key Takeaways

• The death of a Nepali student at KIIT University on February 16, 2025, sparked protests over alleged harassment and neglect.
• The Odisha government initiated a fact-finding investigation, set up a helpline for Nepali students, and arrested the accused student.
• Nepal’s officials demanded safety measures; India’s MEA prioritized international student security, collaborating with Odisha and Nepali authorities for resolutions.

The recent death of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha 🇮🇳 has drawn attention to the safety of international students in India. The tragedy, which took place on February 16, 2025, has sparked demands for accountability, both at the institutional and governmental levels. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to the incident, stating its commitment to protecting the well-being of all international students in the country.

The student, a third-year B.Tech candidate from Nepal 🇳🇵, was found dead in her hostel room. Following her death, protests broke out among Nepali students at KIIT University, with allegations that she had been harassed by a fellow student. It was also claimed that university officials had ignored multiple complaints, raising concerns about institutional neglect. The protests amplified calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of students on campus.

Death of Nepali Student Sparks Calls for Better Safety for Foreign Students

MEA’s Response: A Statement of Priority

Speaking at a media briefing in Delhi on February 21, 2025, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed condolences for the student’s death. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of the Nepali student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and convey our heartfelt condolences,” Jaiswal said. He reiterated that the Government of India places the safety and security of international students as a top priority.

The MEA stated that it has been in touch with both KIIT University authorities and the Odisha government. In addition, coordinated efforts with Nepalese officials have been ongoing to address the concerns of Nepali students and their families. These statements from the MEA underline India’s recognition of the need to ensure a safe and supportive environment for its international student community. The rapid response also reflects the Indian government’s acknowledgment of the crucial role played by Nepali students and the broader people-to-people ties shared between India 🇮🇳 and Nepal 🇳🇵.

Actions Taken

Several steps have already been put into motion to address both the immediate situation and broader concerns raised by the incident:

Arrests and Legal Action: The Odisha police have arrested Advik Srivastava, the student accused of harassment. He was detained on February 17, 2025, and remains in judicial custody.
High-Level Investigation: Odisha’s government formed a fact-finding committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the student’s death. Recommendations from this committee will shape ensuing legal and administrative measures.
Support for Nepali Students: In the wake of the incident, the Odisha government has launched measures to reassure Nepali students. Among these is a helpline set up by local police in Bhubaneswar, which operates 24/7 to cater specifically to the Nepali student community. Furthermore, plans are being put in place to facilitate the return of those who left campus after the tragedy.
University’s Attempt at Damage Control: KIIT University’s Vice-Chancellor, Saranjit Singh, issued a public apology following backlash. Two staff members accused of making insensitive remarks were removed from their positions. Singh pledged that efforts are being made to restore normalcy at the university and urged Nepali students to return.

Escalating Tensions and Nepal’s Involvement

The incident also triggered a strong reaction from Nepal 🇳🇵. Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli commented via social media that Nepal’s embassy in India had sent staff to comfort and assist the affected students in Odisha. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring that students could decide for themselves whether to stay in their hostels or return home. For many, this assurance reflects Nepal’s own level of concern for its citizens abroad.

Public pressure led to further interventions. Nepal’s Foreign Minister held discussions with Indian officials, urging them to make sure Nepali students at KIIT University are safeguarded. There has even been talk of Nepal reconsidering its No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy— a document required by Nepali students to study abroad— if such crises are not handled effectively. This raises broader questions about India’s image as a preferred education destination.

KIIT University at the Center of the Controversy

The university’s initial reaction came under sharp criticism, particularly when it reportedly directed all Nepali students to vacate their accommodations. With over 800 Nepali students enrolled, this decision created an uproar, being described by some as lacking empathy entirely. This distancing drew further backlash and harmed the trust Nepali students had in university management.

KIIT’s apology letter attempted to mend relations, but for many students, the damage had already been done. In what appears to be an attempt to save the university’s reputation, Singh stated that every effort was being made to bring back students who had left and to resume academic activities. However, the situation has cast a spotlight on the failure of crisis management, communication, and care at KIIT University during a critical time.

The Broader Context: International Students in India 🇮🇳

India, as part of its ongoing ambition to establish itself as a hub for global education, faces a significant challenge in demonstrating that its institutions are safe and hospitable for foreign students. Incidents like this one highlight systemic gaps, fueling questions about the country’s preparedness to handle the responsibilities that come with hosting a large international student population.

Nepali students, in particular, represent a key demographic in India’s universities. The historical and cultural connection between both nations means that thousands of Nepali citizens enroll each year. VisaVerge.com notes that international students often navigate complex cultural adjustments during their time abroad, making supportive and safe environments all the more critical for their success. Their presence strengthens ties and helps foster deep-rooted linkages between the two nations. However, negative incidents can erode confidence and trust, undercutting these ties significantly.

Long-Term Implications and Recommendations

This tragedy serves as a reminder of the gaps in institutional safety measures and the risks they pose. Moving forward, policymakers and universities need to focus on key areas to better safeguard international students. These include:

Transparent Investigations: It is critical that the fact-finding investigation into this incident be conducted with openness, and the findings should lead to clear, corrective measures.
Preventive Mechanisms: Universities must implement strict processes for addressing harassment complaints and prioritize mental health support for their students.
Crisis Preparedness: Educational institutions in India need to bolster their crisis management capacities for handling situations that affect international students.
Strengthening Diplomatic Dialogue: Open and consistent communication between the governments of India and Nepal is essential. This could include joint initiatives aimed at improving the experiences of students from smaller neighboring countries.
Broad Reforms in Hostels and Campuses: Institutions need to address foundational safety concerns, ensuring all students—domestic and foreign—feel protected where they live and study.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of the Nepali student at KIIT University is a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in India’s higher education system. While the MEA has emphasized its commitment to the safety of international students, this incident has revealed weaknesses in how crises are handled, as well as gaps in institutional accountability. Moving forward, actions must align with words to rebuild trust among students and their families abroad. The outcome of this situation will not only impact relations between India 🇮🇳 and Nepal 🇳🇵 but could also shape India’s image as an international education hub overall.

Learn Today

Institutional Neglect → Failure of an organization, such as a university, to properly address critical responsibilities or concerns raised.
Fact-Finding Committee → A group established to investigate and analyze specific issues to provide recommendations or conclusions based on evidence.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) → A legal document required by authorities, allowing individuals to perform certain activities, like studying abroad, without restrictions.
Crisis Management → The process of handling unexpected and disruptive events to minimize harm and restore normalcy effectively.
People-to-People Ties → Interactions and connections between citizens of two nations, fostering mutual understanding and strengthened relationships.

This Article in a Nutshell

The tragic death of a Nepali student at KIIT University underscores urgent safety concerns for international students in India. Allegations of harassment and institutional neglect have sparked protests, investigations, and diplomatic involvement. As India aspires to be an education hub, ensuring safe, supportive environments is crucial to restoring trust and protecting lives.
— By VisaVerge.com