Administrative links protecting KISS, KIMS, KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta? MLA raises serious questions

The reported murder of a Class IX tribal student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) earlier this month has intensified pressure on the Odisha government, with tribal bodies and leaders pitching their opinions. In the latest of such developments, Bonai MLA Laxman Munda alleged that entrenched administrative connections are allegedly shielding KISS, KIIT and KIMS founder Achyuta Samanta from meaningful scrutiny.

Addressing the media on Monday, MLA Munda called for the murder case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), stating that the pace and direction of the ongoing probe do not inspire confidence. He argued that the incident cannot be viewed in isolation and pointed to earlier controversies involving institutions run by Samanta.

“This case involves the death of an Adivasi minor. Similar incidents have surfaced earlier as well. A thorough investigation must examine the role of these institutions (KISS and KIIT) and their founder,” Munda said.

Questions Over Institutional Influence

The MLA alleged that proximity between the institutions and sections of the administration has compromised accountability. According to Munda, the presence of relatives of senior officials within these establishments raises concerns about conflicts of interest and possible influence over investigative processes.

“He (Achyuta Samanta) should be questioned properly. If that does not happen, it sends a message that powerful institutions are beyond scrutiny,” Munda said, warning that continued inaction could provoke protests by tribal groups in Bhubaneswar. 

Similarly, Rakesh Singh, president of the Dalit Adivasi Mahasangh in Mayurbhanj, alleged that former senior bureaucrats and their family members occupy key roles within these institutions, creating what he described as a protective network. He said a state-level inquiry would be inadequate under the circumstances.

“Be it KISS, KIIT or KIMS, most of those in the management are retired IAS or IPS officers or their spouses. Many of them still have links with the administration and will try their best to defend Achyuta Samanta because he is also a political leader,” Singh said.

ALSO READ: KISS student murder case: Police flag discrepancies in KIMS hospital reports, action against doctors likely

Medical Procedure Under Examination

The handling of the case at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) has emerged as a critical element of the controversy. Activists have questioned why a post-mortem examination was not conducted and why the death of a minor was initially attributed to cardiac arrest.

Social activist Jayashree Mohapatra said the medical documentation raises serious doubts. “In the case of a child, such conclusions require strict medical protocol. Any deviation needs to be examined,” she said, calling for accountability from the doctor concerned.

At the time of the filing of this report, neither Achyuta Samanta nor the authorities of KISS, KIIT or KIMS had issued any statement responding to the allegations.