Student Mental Health
What led to the protests in Kathmandu following the student's death in India?
The protests in Kathmandu were triggered after a Nepalese female student allegedly committed suicide at Kalinga Institute in India. According to an FIR filed by the deceased's cousin, the student had been facing harassment from a male student at the institution. Protesters in Nepal's capital claimed that despite the victim having previously complained about the harassment, university authorities failed to take any action to address the situation. This perceived institutional negligence fueled outrage both locally at the university and internationally in Nepal, highlighting concerns about the safety and protection of international students.
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WION
00:36 - 00:58
What sparked the massive protests at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology?
The protests erupted following the death of a female Nepalese student who was found dead in her room at the women's hostel. On February 15, students, primarily of Nepalese origin, organized demonstrations alleging inaction by university authorities against a reported harasser. The protesters claimed that the university failed to take appropriate action on previous harassment complaints against a male student, which they believe contributed to the tragic incident. This situation has escalated into significant demonstrations both locally and in Kathmandu.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)WION
00:11 - 00:35
What measures has Nepal's Prime Minister taken to safeguard Nepali students in India following the incident at Kalinga Institute?
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has taken several actions to protect Nepali students in India. The Nepal Embassy in New Delhi dispatched two officers to counsel students affected by the incident. Additionally, arrangements were made to give students options to either remain in their hostels or return home to Nepal if they felt unsafe. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also assured that Nepali students form an important part of people-to-people links between the nations. The Nepalese government has committed to continue taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their students studying in India, recognizing their importance to bilateral relations.
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02:51 - 03:23
How did the university respond to the suicide of the Nepali student?
The university, through its Vice Chancellor, issued a letter expressing deep regret about the incident involving the Nepali student's suicide. In their statement, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all students, specifically mentioning their Nepali students. Beyond official statements, concrete action was taken as authorities arrested a student based on prima facie evidence of harassment related to the incident. This response came amid protests and allegations of inadequate university handling of harassment issues that reportedly led to the tragic suicide.
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01:38 - 02:03
What led to the arrest of a student in connection with a Nepali student's suicide?
Police arrested a third-year mechanical engineering student from Keto University based on prima facie evidence of harassment that authorities believe prompted the Nepali female student to take her own life. Following an investigation, law enforcement confirmed finding evidence of harassment, leading to the student's arrest and subsequent placement in judicial custody. In addition to the student's arrest, police have also detained two university security guards for allegedly manhandling students during the protests that erupted following the suicide. The case has sparked demonstrations both on campus and in Kathmandu over the administration's handling of harassment allegations.
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01:56 - 02:49
What led to the protests following the Nepalese student's death at Kalinga Institute in India?
The protests erupted after a female Nepalese student was found dead in her hostel room, allegedly by suicide following harassment by a male student. Students, primarily of Nepalese origin, demonstrated against the university authorities' inaction in addressing the harassment complaints before her death. The incident triggered massive protests both at the Kalinga Institute campus in Odisha and in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. Police have since arrested the male student accused of harassment and two security guards. The case gained significant attention, prompting intervention from both Indian and Nepalese governments to ensure the safety of Nepalese students at the university.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)WION
00:01 - 00:51