‘Heinous than murder’: KISS accused of institutional cover-up to suppress student killing

The disturbing incident of a student’s murder at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) sparked strong reactions on Wednesday, with eminent educationist Professor RN Panda describing the incident as a heinous crime.

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The educationist said that three students strangling another student to death is a grave criminal act and strict action must be taken.

Professor Panda further accused the KISS authorities of committing an even bigger crime by allegedly trying to suppress the incident. “Suppression of the matter by KISS authorities is more terrible,” he alleged.

Raising serious questions, the Professor asked what the hostel warden was doing at the time and why the principal chose to hide such a serious matter. He criticised the ‘typical mindset’ behind allegedly being deceitful after a child’s death and attempting to cover it up instead of ensuring transparency and justice.

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The educationist also questioned the broader system, stating that economically backward children are brought to the residential school with assurances of better care and understanding, but incidents like this expose deep flaws.

RN Panda also alleged that while the institution projects itself as providing free education, in reality, it benefits significantly from financial assistance from both the Central and the State government.

The suspicious death incident has reignited debate over student safety, accountability of the residential institutions, and the need for strict oversight in educational establishments.

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Besides, educationist Panda said that the media should not be kept away to hide anything. “Even though the incident occurred on December 12, efforts to hide it are still going on. If you do not want to hide anything, why are you not allowing it?” Panda stated.

“This is not the first incident in KISS or KIIT; such incidents have happened earlier as well. Just forming an inquiry committee is not enough; exemplary action is necessary,” Professor Panda added.

Meanwhile, OSPCR Chairperson Babita Patra reached KISS and initiated a probe.