KISS student murder: Family narrates institute’s ‘cover-up’, appeals to CM Majhi for thorough probe and justice

The family members of the Class IX student, who was allegedly murdered at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, reiterated their demand for justice. They have appealed to the CM Mohan Majhi-led Odisha government to ensure a detailed and impartial investigation into the case.

Interacting with media persons, the victim’s grandfather questioned the institute’s responsibility towards students, alleging serious lapses in care and communication. He also claimed the family was misled about the boy’s condition before being handed the body.

“They called my nephew, saying the boy had diarrhoea. But he returned with a dead body,” the grandfather said.

“Is it not their duty to ensure the welfare of the students? There are 30,000 students studying there. Who is looking after them? I request the Mohan Majhi government to probe this matter. The boy’s parents are under immense stress. There must be a detailed investigation,” he added.

Police Report Strangulation, Two Officials Detained

The appeal from the family comes as the Twin City Commissionerate Police revealed that the student was murdered by his classmates, contradicting KISS’s earlier claim that the death resulted from a fall inside a hostel bathroom.

According to police, the student was assaulted and strangled inside a hostel washroom following a dispute. Three students have been detained in connection with the murder.

As the probe widened, police also detained two officials for questioning in connection with the handling of the incident, though their identities have not been officially disclosed. Officers said the questioning is focused on events following the student’s death and the institutional response.

Allegations Of Concealment And Procedural Lapses

The case surfaced after the deceased student’s father alleged that KISS authorities handed over the body without conducting a post-mortem examination. He also claimed there were visible injury marks, including marks near the neck, which raised doubts about the explanation initially given to the family.

Relatives further alleged that the institute delayed disclosure of facts and did not provide medical records, treatment papers or any written explanation from either KISS or KIMS Medical College and Hospital.

They questioned how a student reported to have suffered a leg fracture could die within hours without formal medical documentation or briefing to the family.

ALSO READ: KISS student murder case: From alleged cover-up to radio silence, 10 unanswered questions

Police Team At KIMS, OSCPCR To Visit Campus

As of the latest developments, a police team visited KIMS Medical College and Hospital earlier today to reportedly examine the circumstances under which the student was brought there and to verify whether standard medico-legal procedures were followed.

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 after the student’s death.

As of the latest reports, despite major unanswered questions, neither KISS authorities nor KIMS Medical College and Hospital have issued any statement on this matter and have maintained radio silence.