The death of a 20-year-old Nepali engineering student at an Odisha university has been ruled as a suicide, though the circumstances surrounding her passing remain under investigation. Classmates and friends have suggested that the student had been experiencing significant harassment by a batchmate, which she had brought to the attention of university authorities. Unfortunately, her efforts to resolve the issue through official channels appeared to fall short, as she continued to endure bullying without any visible change.
This case raises serious questions about how universities deal with bullying and harassment, particularly in the case of international students who may already feel isolated. The victim’s peers describe her as someone who excelled academically and was well-liked by those close to her, which makes her death all the more tragic. The student had reportedly been experiencing anxiety, depression, and feelings of exclusion, which her friends believe were exacerbated by the lack of institutional intervention.
Advocacy groups for student welfare have called for a reassessment of university policies regarding harassment and mental health. They emphasize that educational institutions must create a safe, inclusive environment where all students, particularly those from different countries, feel comfortable voicing their concerns without fear of retaliation. This incident also underscores the importance of providing mental health support to students dealing with the emotional fallout of harassment and bullying.
