The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has launched an inquiry into the alleged murder of a 14-year-old tribal student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar. The Commission also sought a detailed report from the Odisha government, demanding submission within three days . This action follows the recent arrest of eleven individuals by Odisha police, including eight KISS officials, in connection with the boy’s death.
NCST Initiates Probe
The NCST took direct notice of the incident, acting on information from media reports. The Commission stated its decision to investigate the matter under powers granted by Article 338A of the Constitution of India. Official notices were issued to several key departments. These include the Home, School and Mass Education, and ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare departments. The Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police, and Khurda District Collector also received these directives.
The NCST warned that failure to provide the report within the stipulated three-day period could result in severe measures. The Commission may exercise its civil court powers, which include summoning officials to appear before it for questioning.
Police Make Arrests, Allege Cover-up
Odisha police have arrested eight KISS employees , including an additional CEO and two teachers. These individuals face charges for allegedly suppressing crucial information related to the Class-IX student’s death. Furthermore, three minor students accused in the case were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, identified as children in conflict with law.
Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh provided details on the investigation. Singh confirmed the boy was strangled to death by his classmates on the night of December 11 . He also stated that the arrested officials attempted to misrepresent the incident, trying to portray the death as accidental.
Doctors Under Scrutiny
The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) conducted a visit to the institute following the incident. OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra revealed concerns regarding the medical team. Doctors at KIMS, a hospital managed by the same group that runs KISS, allegedly informed the deceased boy’s father that the death was caused by a fall in the bathroom. Police later found this information to be incorrect during their investigation.
In response, the OSCPCR has recommended that police investigate the role of these doctors at KIMS hospital. This suggests potential involvement in the alleged cover-up or misinformation surrounding the student’s death.
Minister Expresses Concern, Calls for Vigilance
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram expressed deep concern over the tragic event. Oram publicly called the incident “unfortunate and condemnable.” He highlighted a worrying pattern, stating that “such incidents are being repeated at KISS,” indicating previous issues. The Minister urged KISS authorities to enhance their vigilance and implement stronger preventive measures to avoid future occurrences. Oram also stated his confidence in an impartial investigation.
Political leaders have also reacted strongly. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das alleged a deliberate attempt to suppress the crime. Das demanded the arrest of all individuals involved, specifically including doctors and hostel authorities. Keonjhar BJP MP Ananta Nayak echoed these calls, demanding strict action against everyone responsible for the student’s killing.