Teen Suicide
What happened to the Nepali student in Odisha and what was the response?
A 20-year-old Nepali woman died by suicide at her college in Orissa (Odisha), allegedly due to harassment by a fellow student. The incident sparked widespread protests in Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu, as public outrage grew over the tragedy. In response, state police confirmed the suicide and took action, arresting the fellow student accused of harassment. The incident has escalated to become a significant issue affecting relations between India and Nepal, with the Nepalese government becoming involved to ensure the safety of its students studying abroad.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)What actions has Kalinga University taken in response to the Nepali student's suicide incident?
Kalinga University has issued a public apology following the tragic suicide of a 20-year-old Nepali student, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation that prompted significant protests. As part of their response to the alleged harassment case, the university has terminated several staff members deemed responsible or negligent in their duties regarding student welfare. These actions represent the university's initial steps to address the controversy surrounding the incident, which has raised broader concerns about international student safety at the institution. The case has also prompted police involvement, with arrests made and a reevaluation of student support systems at the university.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)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.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)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)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.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)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.
Watch clip answer (00:53m)