Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar police have launched an investigation into the death of Prisha Shah, a first-year Nepali student from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), who was found hanging in her hostel room on Thursday evening. The authorities are treating the incident as suspicious and are investigating the circumstances around the tragic death.

Prisha Shah, a B.Tech computer science student hailing from Birgunj, Nepal, was found unresponsive by her hostel mates when attendance was being checked around 7 p.m. on Thursday. When officials checked her room, they found her body hanging. The local police were immediately informed, and a team led by Bhubaneswar Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh arrived to investigate the scene.

The police commissioner addressed the media, stating that the incident has been registered as an “unnatural death.” He confirmed that no complaints of foul play have been filed as of now, but authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. "We have been questioning other girls in the hostel to ascertain whether the deceased had shared anything with any of them and showed any suspicious symptoms. We have spoken to the officials of the Nepal Embassy, who have also informed the deceased's family members. Her parents will reach Bhubaneswar on Friday morning," Singh explained.

Sources in the Commissionerate Police told IANS that the deceased student was under severe mental stress over strained relationship with her boyfriend who is staying at Dehradun in Uttarakhand.

Scientific team investigates scene

A team of forensic experts was sent to the hostel to search Prisha’s room for any clues. Singh stressed that the investigation is ongoing, and all evidence is being carefully examined. If any suspicious findings emerge, police will take appropriate action.

Post-mortem awaiting family arrival

Prisha’s body has been sent to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for a post-mortem, which will be conducted after her family members arrive from Nepal. The Nepal Embassy has been in touch with the authorities, and her parents are expected to reach Bhubaneswar on Friday.

2nd Nepali student suicide: Campus situation remains calm

Despite the shock of the incident, police confirmed that the situation on the KIIT campus remains calm. Students have expressed confidence in the police investigation and are cooperating fully with authorities.

This tragic incident follows the suicide of another Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, at KIIT earlier this year. Following Lamsal's death, the university had come under scrutiny, and tensions had escalated after an assault on Nepali students by a university security guard.

The investigation is ongoing, and police will take further action if any foul play is uncovered.