KISS student murder case: Two institute officials detained, OSCPCR chairperson to visit campus for probe

The investigation into the murder of a Class IX tribal student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar widened by Wednesday noon after police detained two officials in connection with the case.

Sources said the Infocity Police picked up the two officials for questioning, though their identities have not yet been officially disclosed.

Police officials confirmed that the questioning is part of the expanding probe into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the subsequent handling of the incident by the institute.

Police Confirm Student Was Strangulated

Earlier in the day, the Twin City Commissionerate Police stated that the student was murdered by his classmates, contradicting the institute’s initial claim that the boy had died after slipping inside a hostel bathroom.

According to police, the student was assaulted and strangulated inside a hostel washroom following a dispute. Three students have been detained so far in connection with the murder. Senior officers said preliminary findings clearly point to homicidal violence rather than an accidental fall, and the case is being investigated by Infocity Police Station on the basis of a Zero FIR.

Allegations Of Suppression And Procedural Lapses

The case came to light after the deceased student’s father alleged that KISS authorities handed over his son’s body without conducting a post-mortem examination. He also claimed there were visible injury marks on the body, including marks near the neck, raising serious doubts about the version initially shared with the family.

Family members further alleged that KISS authorities delayed disclosure of facts and failed to share evidence. They also claimed that no medical records, treatment papers or written explanation were provided either by KISS or by KIMS Medical College and Hospital.

ALSO READ: Class IX student murdered at KISS; From alleged concealment to radio silence, 10 big questions

OSCPCR Chairperson To Visit KISS Campus

Amid growing scrutiny, Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) chairperson Babita Patra said she would visit the KISS campus shortly to conduct an independent inquiry.

She said the commission would examine why the incident was allegedly concealed and whether due procedures were followed by the institute after the student’s death.

No Official Response From KISS, KIMS

As of the filing of this report, neither KISS authorities nor KIMS Medical College and Hospital have issued a detailed public statement addressing the police findings, the detention of officials, or the allegations of suppression and lack of medical documentation.

The Commissionerate Police said the investigation is ongoing and that further action will be taken based on custodial questioning, forensic analysis, and the post-mortem report.