KISS student murder: Calls for institutional scrutiny grow as NCST, Odisha welfare bodies launch parallel probes

The murder of a tribal student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar has led to intensified scrutiny of safety measures, supervisory mechanisms and incident reporting protocols at private residential educational institutions across Odisha.

Former Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Minister Parama Pujari raised concerns over alleged administrative lapses in the case. Meanwhile, statutory bodies, including the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), have launched parallel inquiries into the incident.

Former Minister Raises Accountability Questions

Reacting to the incident, Parama Pujari said the loss of a student’s life inside an educational institution points to serious deficiencies in supervision and governance.

“Parents send their children with hopes for a secure future. If a child loses their life due to management failures, those responsible must be held accountable,” she said. Pujari questioned why officials tasked with monitoring such institutions failed to detect warning signs and intervene in time.

She added that residential institutions are expected to maintain strict discipline, welfare oversight, and health monitoring through wardens, caretakers, and supervisors. “Even with these systems in place, how did such an incident occur?” Pujari asked, pointing to gaps in record-keeping and reporting.

NCST Seeks Responses From State Officials

Sources reported that the NCST has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and sought explanations from the School and Mass Education Secretary, the Khordha District Collector, and the Superintendent of Police.

The Commission has asked for a detailed account of events, the steps taken by the administration, and compliance with safeguards meant for Scheduled Tribe students.

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OSCPCR Questions Lapses

Meanwhile, OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra said the inquiry will also examine the conduct of the doctor who declared the student dead.

“Why did the doctor at KIMS not inform the police? An investigation must be launched against all those who made serious lapses, be it the institution or the medical professionals involved,” she said. Patra confirmed that a letter has been issued seeking action against the doctor for allegedly submitting an incorrect report.

The Commission is further probing why the local police were not immediately informed and how the body was handed over without a post-mortem examination. “If police personnel were present, why was the matter not flagged at that stage?” Patra asked, adding that these procedural issues are central to the inquiry.

As of the last reports, multiple investigations remain underway, including those by the NCST and OSCPCR. However, KISS authorities are yet to respond to this matter.