KISS student murder case: Statements of eyewitness students to be recorded as investigation intensifies

In a key development in the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) student murder case, the Commissionerate Police will record the statements of eyewitness students before a magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Police sources confirmed that statements will be recorded in accordance with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with more than five students expected to depose before a magistrate. The students had reportedly witnessed the murder of the Class IX student inside the hostel premises.

Eyewitnesses To Detail Murder And Alleged Cover-Up

Sources informed that the eyewitness students will narrate before the magistrate how the student was allegedly killed inside the hostel and the sequence of events that followed the incident.

The statements will also cover who allegedly attempted to suppress the case after the murder and how students were allegedly intimidated into silence.

Police sources stated that the witnesses are expected to place on record how fear was allegedly instilled among students following the incident and how pressure was allegedly exerted to prevent disclosure of facts.

Allegations Of Threats And Assault Under Probe

Meanwhile, there have been allegations that KISS authorities, teachers and staff threatened and assaulted students after the incident to ensure the matter did not come to light. Police said these aspects will form a crucial part of the statements being recorded before the magistrate.

The development comes days after the arrest of eight KISS officials, including Additional CEO Pramod Kumar Patra, in connection with alleged negligence and suppression of facts linked to the student’s death.

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Police Confirm Murder By Classmates

Earlier yesterday, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh confirmed that the student was murdered by his classmates and that the death was not natural.

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

The Commissioner said police reached this conclusion after a detailed investigation and statements recorded from students.

At the time of filing this report, KISS authorities have yet to comment on the allegations surrounding the entire sequence of events.