Student’s suspicious death: 3 friends strangulated him to death in hostel, confirm police

A shocking twist has emerged in the case of a student's suspicious death at a private residential college in Keonjhar. What was initially thought to be a natural or accidental death has now been confirmed as a case of cold-blooded murder, allegedly carried out by three fellow hostel inmates, police officials informed on Wednesday.

The deceased student, Jaldhar Mahanta, a minor, was staying at the hostel while attending a summer course.

More Details About The Incident

According to police sources, the incident occurred late at night on April 21 inside the hostel premises. The student, who hailed from Tangarapada village, was allegedly killed following a heated verbal altercation with three of his peers.
Investigations reveal that the dispute escalated quickly, culminating in the accused reportedly strangulating the victim to death.

Acting swiftly based on the complaint filed by the family of the deceased minor student, Keonjhar Town Police took up a detailed investigation and took all three suspects—also minors—into custody. The trio was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board in Rourkela on charges of murder. 

Preliminary findings and forensic reports are being scrutinized to gather further evidence in the case.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the district, raising serious concerns over student safety and supervision in private residential educational institutions. The role of the college authorities is also under the scanner, as questions are being raised about hostel security measures and the delay in alerting the police.

Family members of the deceased have demanded strict punishment for the accused and action against the institution for negligence. 
Yudhistir Mahanta, uncle of the deceased student said, “We wanted him to study so that he could lead a decent life by making a good career. He was a meritorious college. He has been killed as there is injury mark on his neck. He had spoken at around 8 pm and wanted to come home.”

Another relative, K.D. Mohanty said, “After our child completed his matriculation, we got him admitted at a private residential institute for summer course. Any education institution is considered as a temple. But colleagues have killed our child. I rushed to the hospital as soon as I learnt about the incident. He was the only son of their parents.”

Meanwhile, local police officials have assured that a thorough investigation is underway and all aspects of the case, including possible negligence or suppression of facts, will be closely examined.

Keonjhar Sadar SDPO, Sudarshan Gangoi said, “The student was doing some summer course. We got information from the guardians regarding the death of the student. Based on the FIR, we started an investigation and found that there was some dispute between the deceased student and his batchmates who are juveniles. They had killed the student by strangulating him. We have registered a murder case.”

This tragic incident has sparked a broader debate on the safety protocols and mental health support systems available for students in residential campuses, especially for minors. Authorities have called for tighter monitoring mechanisms in hostels and more accountability from private educational institutions across the state.