Odisha – The mysterious KISS student death case in Bhubaneswar took a shocking turn on Wednesday when police revealed that 14-year-old Siba Munda was murdered by three of his classmates over spilt dal. The revelation contradicts the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences’ initial claim that the student died after slipping in the hostel bathroom, exposing a disturbing case of violence and subsequent cover-up.
Details of the KISS Student Death Incident
The KISS student death occurred on December 12 when Siba Munda, a resident of Tikargumura village in Keonjhar district, died at KIMS Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar. The 14-year-old was a class 9 student at the prestigious residential institution. Following his death, Munda’s family staged a demonstration with the body outside the Keonjhar collectorate, alleging that KISS authorities concealed facts and failed to provide medical records explaining the cause of death.
Officers from the Infocity police station investigating the KISS student death case revealed that Munda was assaulted and strangled inside a hostel washroom following a dispute over spilt dal. The assault took place inside the washroom, where the victim was allegedly first beaten and then strangled by three of his classmates, all minors.
Police Investigation Findings
The investigation into the KISS student death took a decisive turn when the post-mortem report was analyzed. “The post-mortem report indicated that it was a case of homicidal violence rather than an accidental fall as claimed by the KISS officials,” a police officer stated, requesting anonymity. This revelation completely contradicted the institute’s version of events and exposed the severity of the cover-up attempt.
The three students involved in the KISS student death, all minors, have been apprehended and produced before the juvenile justice board in Khurda district. All three accused have been sent to a correctional home as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the brutal assault.
Family’s Allegations and Complaint
The victim’s father, Raghunath Munda, filed a police complaint that became crucial in unraveling the truth behind the KISS student death. In his complaint, he alleged that KISS authorities contacted him on Friday morning, informing him that his son had fallen sick and was admitted to the hospital. However, they provided no detailed explanation about the circumstances.
Raghunath Munda’s complaint, based on which an FIR was registered, alleged that neither KISS authorities nor KIMS hospital provided medical treatment papers, discharge summaries, or any written explanation regarding his son’s death. He further alleged that no post-mortem examination was conducted before the body was handed over to the family, raising serious questions about the handling of the KISS student death case.
Arrest of KISS Officials
In a major development in the KISS student death investigation, Bhubaneswar Commissioner of Police Suresh Devdutt Singh announced the arrest of eight KISS officials during a press conference. The arrested officials include the institute’s additional CEO Pramod Patra and several teachers who allegedly played roles in concealing the crime.
The KISS student death case has exposed serious lapses in institutional accountability. The eight officials have been charged with intimidating and threatening minor witnesses to conceal the crime, as well as concealment of evidence. These arrests highlight the extent of the alleged cover-up attempt following the tragic incident.
Medical Personnel Under Scrutiny
The investigation into the KISS student death has expanded to include medical professionals. Seven doctors who operated on the boy are currently being questioned by authorities. Their involvement in the case is being examined to determine whether proper medical procedures were followed and whether any attempts were made to conceal the actual cause of death.
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The questioning of medical personnel represents a crucial aspect of the KISS student death investigation, as authorities seek to establish the complete chain of events and identify all individuals who may have been complicit in concealing evidence or providing misleading information.
Institute’s Response and Silence
When contacted regarding the KISS student death case, KISS officials refused to comment on the incident and the detention of three students. The institute’s silence following the revelations and arrests has drawn criticism from various quarters. The lack of transparency that initially characterized the case continues even after the truth has been revealed by investigating authorities.
The KISS student death case has raised serious questions about safety protocols and accountability mechanisms at residential educational institutions across the country.
Child Rights Commission Intervention
The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights took cognizance of the KISS student death and warned of strict action against the KISS administration if it was found that the child died due to unnatural causes. This intervention by the child rights body added pressure on authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
The commission’s involvement in the KISS student death case underscores the gravity of the incident and the need for stringent measures to prevent such tragedies in educational institutions.
Broader Implications
The KISS student death case has sent shockwaves through Odisha’s educational community and raised fundamental questions about student safety in residential schools. The incident highlights the need for robust anti-ragging measures, effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and transparent reporting systems in educational institutions.
The tragic KISS student death serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility educational institutions bear for the safety and well-being of students entrusted to their care. The case demands comprehensive reforms in institutional accountability and student protection protocols.
