A Nepali student was found dead inside his hostel room in  Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) on Thursday, marking the second death of a person from the Himalayan country in the campus in less than three months.

The first-year student was reportedly studying computer science at the Odisha-based university.

She hails from Nepal's Birgunj area.

Sources told The Indian Express newspaper that the hostel warden found the girl dead in her room at around 8 pm and informed the police.

Senior police officials rushed to the university after the body was recovered.

An investigation is currently underway.

“We have registered an unnatural death case and started probe into the matter. If we find that anyone is involved, we will probe all aspects. The hostel students are being questioned to ascertain whether the deceased had any symptoms or if she had shared anything. We have recovered the body and sent it to AIIMS for autopsy,” Bhubaneswar Police Commissioner S Dev Dutta Singh told The Indian Express.

He said the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi has been informed about the incident.

KIIT issues statement

KIIT authorities said they are cooperating with the police over the issue.

"We urge everyone to refrain from spreading or believing unverified claims. The matter is currently under police investigation, and KIIT is extending full support to the authorities," the institute posted on X.

"In sensitive situations, misinformation can lead to unnecessary distress. Please rely only on official updates from authorised sources," KIIT said.

MEA reacts

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said it is deeply saddened by the death of the Nepali student.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of a Nepali student of KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time," MEA said in a statement.

"Ministry of External Affairs has been in constant touch with the Odisha State Government since we became aware of the tragic incident. The State Government of Odisha has extended full support to the family of the deceased, and a thorough enquiry is currently being conducted by the Odisha Police," the statement said.

"Government of India takes the safety, security and well-being of all international students very seriously. We remain in close contact with the Nepali authorities, the Odisha State Government as well as KIIT management to ensure real-time communication and coordination in this matter," the statement said.

Previous case

Another student from Nepal was found dead in the hostel of the university located in Bhubaneshwar.
The incident was protested by Nepali students.
The incident triggered diplomatic tension after the university authorities reportedly tried to evict some Nepali students.