Joker gang behind murder; KISS made every attempt to cover up: Police Commissioner

Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh on Wednesday confirmed that the Class IX student at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) was indeed murdered by his classmates and that the incident was deliberately concealed by the institute’s authorities. 

Addressing a press conference, the Commissioner said the police investigation has clearly established that the death was not natural.

The Police Commissioner confirmed that a group of students, referred to as the ‘Joker gang’, strangled the victim to death. The post-mortem report has confirmed death due to strangulation, with clear evidence of neck compression.

“The post-mortem report revealed injuries on his neck. After a detailed investigation, we reached the conclusion that it was a case of murder. A team led by ACP Zone-6 Sonali reached out to other students who revealed the murder. The ‘Joker gang’ strangled him over a petty issue. The children who have given the witnesses have been ensured safety,” informed the CP.

Students Threatened to Hide the Murder

 The Police Commissioner (CP) revealed that minor students were threatened to hide the crime.

 “The minors were threatened so that the crime could be concealed. KISS authorities, teachers, and staff exerted pressure on them to keep silent,” the Police Commissioner said.

 Police have registered cases under BNS Sections 103(1), 238, 296, 232, 249(a), and 351(3) against those involved in the alleged cover-up and other related offences. In addition, cases have also been registered against three minors under BNS Sections 103(1) and 3(5) for their alleged role in the crime.

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Contrary to the medical findings, KISS authorities allegedly handed over the body to the family, claiming that the student had died of a heart attack. Police said the institute did not inform the local police about the incident, raising serious questions about negligence and an attempt to suppress facts.

Following the investigation, eight officials of KISS have been arrested and forwarded to court for negligence and related offences. Among those arrested are an Additional CEO, a TGT teacher, a headmaster, and an assistant teacher.

“The investigation is being done to reach a logical conclusion. Accordingly, facts will be produced before the court,” the CP added.

Police have also launched an inquiry into how KIMS Medical College handed over the body without conducting a post-mortem examination, which is mandatory in such cases.

Further investigation in the case is ongoing, police said.