KISS student murder: Keonjhar MP demands immediate action

Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak on Thursday made strong remarks demanding strict action against Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in connection with the alleged murder of a student.

Calling for immediate intervention, Nayak urged the State government to take firm action against the KISS administration and its founder Achyuta Samanta. He said KISS should not be allowed to function until justice is delivered to the deceased student.

The MP stated that the manner in which the student was allegedly killed at KISS should never be repeated anywhere, and exemplary action against the institution is necessary to ensure that no other educational institutions dare to commit such acts in the future.

Expressing serious doubts over the cause of the student’s death, Nayak alleged that the killing was carried out for some major undisclosed reason and claimed that KISS deliberately attempted to suppress the incident. He appealed to the State government to take the matter seriously.

Nayak further demanded a thorough review of whether KISS is following prescribed guidelines and whether adequate arrangements are in place for the welfare and safety of other tribal students residing at the institution.

He also said the matter would be brought to the notice of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Emphasising accountability, Nayak stated that if any staff member is found responsible for the incident, then the person who appointed such staff, including the head of the institution, should also be held equally responsible.

"Many incidents like this have taken place there and it occurred again now. The victim is a tribal boy from Keonjhar. Action should immediately be taken against the authorities as these kinds of incidents are repeated taking place and it has taken place again. Exemplary actions should be taken against the culprits so that authorities, employees and students will not dare to indulge in these kinds of acts in future again. The authorities should help police in the investigation," said Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak.

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"Government fund has been provided to the institution. However, instead of building the careers of the tribal students, it is ruining their lives and families. Hence, immediate action should be taken against the authorities. I will meet the Bhubaneswar Police Commissioner and request him to take immediate action. I will also request the Chief Minister to initiate necessary steps in this regard. Exemplary actions should be taken so that no private institution will try to hide this kind of thing in future. It needs to be ensured whether the institution is running as per the government guidelines or not. The tribal students should be imparted education with proper dignity and respect. The institution should not be allowed to function until justice is delivered to the deceased student," he added.