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KATHMANDU, May 7: The Bhubaneswar Police in Odisha, India, are investigating the death of Nepali student Prisha Shah, who was studying at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University.
Bhubaneswar Police Commissioner Dr Suresh Dev Datta Singh stated that the investigation will proceed once the forensic reports from Prisha's laptop and mobile phone arrive within the next week. Below is a summary of the conversation held on Tuesday night between Nagarik Daily reporters Mithilesh Yadav and Tapendra Karki and Commissioner Singh:
How far has the investigation into Prisha's death reached?
The investigation is still in its early stages. Initially, we found that she had hanged herself, but we are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding her death.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Probe Prisha's Death Thoroughly
Upon discovering her body, we immediately informed her guardians. After Prisha's father and family members arrived, the provincial government conducted an autopsy at Capital Hospital. We have received the preliminary autopsy report and are analyzing it. However, we cannot make any conclusions yet. The autopsy was conducted under the supervision of a magistrate and with camera surveillance, and four doctors were involved. Based on the autopsy findings, the investigation has moved forward.
What did Prisha's father say to the police here?
Once Prisha's guardians arrived, the local police met with them and discussed the matter. They requested that the police uncover the truth. We recorded their statements in front of the investigation officer, the district magistrate, and a camera. The guardians expressed their trust in the police investigation and returned to Nepal just yesterday (Tuesday). Prisha's father also met with the district magistrate and reiterated his belief that the local police would uncover the truth.
Where are Prisha's laptop and mobile?
The police recovered Prisha's laptop and mobile phone and sent them to the forensic lab. Since the devices were coded, it took a few days to unlock them. The lab has secured the data and returned it to the police. We will proceed with a postmortem report and data analysis. Further investigation will continue once the forensic report arrives. Based on the initial autopsy, there is no indication of foul play, but we are exploring all possibilities.
How long will it take for the forensic lab report to arrive?
The forensic lab will take about five to seven days to send the report. The delay was due to the time it took to unlock the coded devices. We will proceed according to the findings of the report.
What do you say about concerns that Prisha was a Nepali citizen, the incident occurred in India, and there are fears that the investigation might lack rigor?
Criminal investigations know no borders, and nationality does not affect the pursuit of justice. A criminal is a criminal, regardless of their nationality, and no one can evade the law. We conducted the investigation into Prakriti Lamshal's death based on facts, and the guilty party remains in custody.
In Prisha's case, the police will continue to base the investigation on the facts. If anyone is found guilty, we will take legal action accordingly. There is no distinction between nations when it comes to criminal justice. You, as the first journalist from Nepal to inquire about this tragic event involving a Nepali student, are welcome to understand the work and actions of the local police. We encourage you to gather the truth, and we will support you in this effort.
