A 25-year-old Nepali student has died in Japan, with local authorities detaining five people as they investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Laxmi Rajbanshi, from Bhadrapur-7 in Jhapa, Nepal, had been studying in Fukuoka, according to Nepalese media reports. Her death has prompted an investigation by Japanese authorities, while Nepal’s embassy in Tokyo is also following the case.
The Nepalese Embassy confirmed that five people have been detained by Japanese police in connection with the investigation. Authorities are reportedly conducting a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding Rajbanshi’s death.
The case has also drawn attention from officials in Nepal, with efforts now underway to bring her remains back to her home country.
Nepalese Embassy follows investigation in Japan
According to Republica, Nepal’s Embassy in Tokyo said Japanese police are carrying out a detailed investigation into the incident.
The embassy is expected to coordinate with the relevant Japanese authorities as the investigation progresses. Details about the identities of the five detained individuals and their alleged involvement have not been publicly disclosed in the report.
Nepalese authorities have also been informed about the case as officials work to support Rajbanshi’s family.
Prakash Pathak, a lawmaker representing Jhapa-3, said necessary steps had been initiated through Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following news of the student’s death.
He said efforts were being made to coordinate with the relevant authorities to facilitate the return of Rajbanshi’s remains to Nepal.
Family awaits answers as repatriation efforts begin
Rajbanshi’s death has reportedly left her family and relatives in mourning, while authorities continue to establish what happened.
Pathak expressed his condolences publicly and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. He also urged the Nepalese government to take appropriate action against anyone found responsible and assist with the repatriation process.
At this stage, Japanese authorities have not publicly released detailed information about the incident, including what may have led to Rajbanshi’s death.
The detention of five people indicates that investigators are actively examining the case, but their detention does not by itself establish criminal responsibility. Further details are expected to emerge as Japanese police continue their investigation.
The case comes as many Nepalese students live and study overseas, with families in Nepal often relying on diplomatic authorities to assist when serious incidents occur abroad.
For Rajbanshi’s family, the immediate priority is understood to be receiving answers about what happened to her and bringing her remains home.
Nepalese officials are expected to remain in contact with Japanese authorities as the investigation continues and arrangements for repatriation are made.:::