In a shocking case from Odisha, eight officials from the prominent Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar have been arrested for their alleged role in suppressing the murder of a Class 9 student. The police have also detained three minor students for the killing, which occurred on the night of December 11 following a hostel altercation.
The Gruesome Crime and Initial Deception
The victim, a student from Keonjhar, was allegedly assaulted and strangled inside a hostel washroom by a gang of fellow students. Instead of reporting the crime, the institute authorities allegedly attempted a cover-up. On December 12, the victim's father received a call from KISS stating his son was admitted to the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) for treatment. Upon arrival, he discovered his son was already dead.
"The KISS authorities informed him that his son died of cardiac arrest," stated Bhubaneswar Police Commissioner S Dev Dutta Singh. The authorities even arranged an ambulance to transport the body to Keonjhar. However, injury marks on the neck raised the family's suspicions, prompting them to approach Keonjhar police and stage protests demanding justice.
Police Investigation Unravels the Truth
A zero FIR was registered, and a post-mortem examination was conducted. The report confirmed external injuries on the neck, pointing to death by strangulation. The Infocity Police in Bhubaneswar took over the investigation on December 13 and sealed the crime scene.
During the probe, classmates and hostel mates of the victim informed the police about the involvement of three students, who later confessed to beating and throttling the victim. The police have detained these three minors and produced them before the juvenile justice board.
Arrests for Obstructing Justice
The investigation took a dramatic turn with the arrest of eight KISS officials on Wednesday, December 17. They are accused of suppressing information, intimidating witnesses, and causing the disappearance of evidence related to the murder. Police also questioned some doctors from KIMS regarding the handing over of the body without informing the authorities.
Founded in 1993 by Achyuta Samanta (who also founded KIIT), KISS is a well-known residential institute providing free schooling to over 20,000 students from across Odisha. The institute is yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrests of its officials.
Ongoing Probe and Demand for Accountability
The case has exposed severe lapses in institutional responsibility. The police continue their investigation to uncover the full extent of the cover-up attempt. The arrests of the officials highlight the serious charges of obstruction of justice they now face. The community and the victim's family await a thorough investigation and swift justice for the young student whose life was tragically cut short.
