KISS student murder case: Family seeks justice, compensation; major action on institute likely?

The family of the Class IX student who died at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar last week has demanded strict punishment for those arrested in the case, compensation for the bereaved family, and institutional accountability, stating that children are sent to the institute to build their future, not to return home dead.

The deceased student’s relatives, speaking to the media, said parents across the state trust KISS with their children’s lives and futures and that such trust must not be betrayed. They urged the state government to ensure justice and take corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

Relatives Allege Failure Of Institutional Responsibility

According to the family, the accused must receive appropriate legal punishment, and the family must be provided compensation and support. They also cautioned school authorities that thousands of parents send their children to KISS, believing they will receive education and safety.

“All I want is justice. They have killed the child. We are overwhelmed with grief. I would ask the government for support and adequate justice,” said the uncle of the deceased.

"Action has begun and should continue. Thousands of students study at KISS. The authorities there must stay alert, as the parents of these kids are hoping for their bright future. It should not be a situation where those parents have to return with their kid's corpse,” said the boy’s aunt.

Police Confirm Murder, Not Natural Death

The Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Police Commissioner, S. Dev Datta Singh, has confirmed that the student was murdered by classmates and that the incident was deliberately concealed. Police stated that the student was strangled following a minor dispute.

The post-mortem report confirmed death due to strangulation, with clear evidence of neck compression. Police said this conclusion was reached after a detailed investigation and statements recorded from students.

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Allegations Of Suppression

Meanwhile, police are examining allegations that the death was initially projected as a heart attack and that police were not informed immediately. Police are probing whether KISS authorities failed to alert local police, whether incorrect information was given to the family, and whether attempts were made to suppress the incident.

Police have stated that students were allegedly threatened and pressured to remain silent. Witness protection measures have been extended to students who provided statements during the investigation.

Eight Arrested, Bail Rejected By Court

Further, last evening, a Bhubaneswar JMFC court rejected the bail applications of eight accused, including KISS Additional CEO Pramod Kumar Patra, linked to alleged negligence and suppression of facts in the case and remanded them to judicial custody.

As of the last reports, KISS authorities have yet to respond to the matter.