KISS ‘dark story’ deepens: Families of two more students allege murder, seek answers to their untimely deaths

The painful saga surrounding the alleged abuse and deaths of tribal students at Odisha’s premier Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) continues to unfold, with fresh allegations of another student’s ‘death’, just a few days after a Class IX tribal student was allegedly murdered in the institute. 

KISS once projected as a model institution for tribal education is now facing serious allegations of violence, negligence and institutional silence.

The parents of the Class VI student, also from Keonjhar, who died after allegedly sustaining injuries at KISS have accused the institution of gross negligence and concealment. According to the family, the tween was also allegedly assaulted by fellow students on August 20, 2025.

Mother’s Big Allegations:

The child’s mother, breaking down while narrating her ordeal, said, “After lot of prayers, I was blessed with a son. I believed he would study well at KISS, which is why I admitted him there. We were later informed that his hand was broken, but the authorities took no responsibility. If a child’s hand is broken, does that mean he has to lose his life? I want justice for my son.”

His father also alleged that his child had described the assault before his condition worsened.

“My son told me that while he was asleep, someone pushed him and he fell. After that, he was covered with a blanket and beaten. There were no lights, so he could not recognise who assaulted him,” he alleged.

Though the child’s fractured hand was plastered, the parents claimed they were not informed about the incident. Three days later, after seeing their son’s deteriorating condition during a video call, they rushed to the campus. He later died after being admitted to Padmapur Medical College.

Police Probe and Demand for Accountability

Following a written complaint on August 25, Keonjhar Sadar police registered a case and sent the body for post-mortem. After receiving the report, the parents approached the police again, alleging murder and seeking justice.

Similar Case From Gajapati Raises More Questions

In Gajapati district, another family continues to await answers even after 14 months. Their son, a Plus II student at KISS, lost consciousness on September 11, 2024. The family was informed late at night that he was in ICU. By the time they reached the hospital the next morning, he had died.

Activists, Global Bodies Raise Alarm

Social worker Sanjay Sahu questioned the moral authority of the institution, and slammed, “These are innocent children studying at KISS. Just because the founder calls himself a big social worker does not mean children can be beaten to death mercilessly like this.”

Also Read: KISS student murder case: Statements of 11 students recorded before Magistrate, more to follow

Likewise, Child protection activist Benudhar Senapati demanded government intervention and said, 

“It is essential for the Odisha government to seriously examine institutions where children’s rights are being violated. How are students getting the opportunity to assault or even kill another child? There must be discussions on what the government is doing and why action is not being taken.”

Suo Motu By ST Commission

Earlier, Taking serious note of the murder of a tribal Class IX student at KISS, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (ST) took suo motu cognisance of the incident and ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

The Commission has sought explanations from the School and Mass Education Secretary, Khordha District Collector, and the Superintendent of Police (SP), directing them to submit a detailed report on the action taken so far.

Despite repeated allegations and mounting scrutiny, KISS authorities have remained silent. As investigations continue, grieving families and rights activists insist that justice for tribal students can no longer be delayed.