The untimely death of a 20-year-old Nepali engineering student has raised serious concerns about student safety and mental health at universities in India. Authorities have confirmed that the student took her own life in her university dormitory in Odisha, though the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. In the aftermath of her passing, several peers have come forward, claiming that she had been subjected to bullying and harassment by a batchmate, which she had reported to the university’s administration.
According to several student accounts, the harassment the student endured involved a combination of verbal abuse and exclusion from group activities, leading to emotional distress. Her classmates describe her as a kind and diligent individual who had always been proactive in seeking academic and personal success. The apparent lack of timely support from the university in addressing her concerns has left many questioning the institution’s handling of such serious matters.
The situation highlights not only the failure of the university to protect its students but also the broader issue of how universities across India and the world deal with harassment cases. There is growing recognition of the need for institutions to have clear, transparent, and compassionate policies in place to deal with such allegations, alongside providing better mental health support services to students. The death of this young student has prompted a public outcry and calls for justice, as well as greater awareness of the challenges faced by international students.