KISS student murder: OSCPCR bats for bringing KIMS doctors under investigation

In a major development in the recent KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) student murder case, the Chairperson of Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), Babita Patra, expressed on Friday that doctors at KIMS must be brought under the purview of investigation.

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The child rights body questioned why, despite medical intervention and body transfer, a post-mortem was not conducted immediately, calling for a thorough probe into the allegedly suspicious role of the medical staff.

Commission Chairperson Patra highlighted that the authorities of KISS had neglected their duties and urged strict action to ensure such lapses are never repeated. She emphasised that the safety, rights, nutrition, and living conditions of the inmate children will be closely monitored during follow-up visits by the Commission team.

During a prior inspection, the Commission observed serious gaps in the management of students, including unhygienic conditions and a lack of proper care.

The OSCPCR team noted that students were housed in overcrowded rooms and sometimes were served substandard food. The findings have been documented, and reports have been sought from both the school management and KIMS doctors to determine accountability.

Commission announced that it will revisit the school for further inspection and submit a detailed report to the Chief Minister after completing the investigation.

“The most important thing we observed is: KISS authorities, who were in charge, have definitely committed gross negligence. They have not duly focused on the child; hence, strong action must be taken against them,” Chairperson Patra said to OTV.

“Moreover, why did the doctors of KIMS, who had ‘treated the child’ and handed over the dead body (to his family), not conduct a post-mortem? They must be brought under the purview of investigation, along with KIMS authorities,” the OSCPCR chief stated when contacted.