Nepalese Engineering Student, 20, Dies by Suicide in Odisha; Alleged Harassment by Peer Reported by Students

A 20-year-old Nepalese engineering student at an Odisha university tragically passed away, with authorities suspecting suicide. Fellow students have come forward with allegations that the young woman had been harassed by a batchmate, an issue she had reportedly raised with the university administration. The students claim that her complaints were not acted upon promptly, and she continued to experience emotional distress and isolation.

The situation highlights the dangers of ignoring harassment complaints in academic institutions. Harassment, when left unchecked, can lead to serious psychological consequences for the victim, including feelings of hopelessness, depression, and social isolation. In this case, the lack of support may have contributed to the student’s tragic death.

Mental health professionals argue that universities must take a more proactive approach to addressing harassment, including offering counseling services and ensuring that students have safe, confidential spaces to report such issues. The administration’s failure to address the victim’s concerns underscores the need for stronger institutional accountability and measures to safeguard student well-being.