KISS student murder: Tribal bodies, activists put founder Achyuta Samanta in dock, demand CBI probe

Allegations linked to the murder of an Adivasi Class IX student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar have intensified, with tribal organisations, social activists and political voices sharpening their attack on the institution and its founder Achyuta Samanta.

As of Saturday morning, several groups have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, alleging misuse of influence, institutional cover-up and suppression of crucial evidence following the student’s death.

Demand For CBI inquiry Gains Momentum

In interactions with the press, tribal organisations alleged that KISS betrayed the trust placed in it by Adivasi families and used its influence to avoid accountability after the murder came to light.

Activists claimed that despite serious accusations, Samanta has continued to evade scrutiny because of his political standing and proximity to the administration.

Rakesh Singh, president of the Dalit Adivasi Mahasangh, Mayurbhanj, alleged that senior bureaucratic networks were being used to shield the institution.

“Be it KISS, KIIT or KIMS, most of those in the management are retired IAS or IPS officers or their spouses. Many of them still have links with the administration and will try their best to defend Achyuta Samanta because he is also a political leader,” Singh said.

He added that only a central agency could uncover the truth. “A CBI probe is required to reveal what exactly is going on within Samanta’s empire of influence,” Singh said, reiterating the demand for an independent investigation.

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Post-Mortem Lapse Draws Sharp Questions

The handling of the student’s death at KIMS hospital has emerged as a major flashpoint. Social activists questioned why no post-mortem examination was conducted and why a report citing cardiac arrest was issued in the case of a minor.

Jayashree Mohapatra, a social activist, said the circumstances surrounding the medical report were deeply troubling.

“The boy died in KISS and was pronounced dead in KIMS. They handed over a report saying he died of a heart attack. How can one immediately conclude heart ailments when the deceased is not someone aged 70?” she asked.

She further alleged deliberate suppression of facts. “Someone strangulated him, but these institutes covered it up. What they did is no different from committing a crime themselves,” Mohapatra said.

Activists have also demanded action against the doctor who issued the heart attack report without conducting a post-mortem, calling it a serious procedural violation that compromised the investigation.

No Response From KISS, KIMS

Despite repeated allegations and public protests, no official response has so far been issued by Achyuta Samanta, or by the authorities of KISS, KIIT or KIMS. Tribal leaders and activists said the continued silence only deepens suspicion and strengthens the case for a CBI-led inquiry.

They reiterated that a state-level probe would not be sufficient given the alleged involvement of influential individuals and institutions.

ALSO READ: OSCPCR to revisit KISS, re-examine campus environment after student murder: Chairperson Patra

Police have confirmed that the Class IX student was murdered by his classmates and that the incident was deliberately concealed. The case has since reached statutory bodies, including the Odisha Human Rights Commission, with petitions seeking an independent probe and compensation.