By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief
Bhubaneswar: The tragic death of a 14-year-old tribal student inside the campus of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) has shocked Odisha and raised serious questions about student safety, institutional accountability, and the initial handling of sensitive cases.
On December 12, the KISS authorities stated that the Class IX student had died after accidentally falling into a toilet pit inside the campus. However, the narrative took a serious turn when the grieving parents of the student lodged a formal complaint at Kendujhar police station, alleging that their son was murdered. Along with filing the case, the parents appealed directly to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, seeking justice for their child.
Responding to the seriousness of the allegations, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi directed the Police Commissioner to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. This intervention proved crucial in ensuring that the matter was not treated as a routine or closed case.
On Monday, the Police Commissioner addressed the media and made a significant disclosure. Based on the investigation carried out so far, the police confirmed that the student was indeed murdered. This statement officially ruled out the earlier claim of an accidental death and exposed the gravity of the crime.
In a case of this magnitude, timely and transparent police action is essential to restore public confidence. By bringing the truth to light, Odisha Police has demonstrated its commitment to justice, particularly in cases involving minors and vulnerable communities. For this, both the Chief Minister and the police leadership deserve acknowledgement for allowing the investigation to proceed without pressure or compromise.
It is also important to highlight the role of responsible journalism. In Odisha, OTV was the only media outlet that consistently reported on the case from the beginning, asking difficult questions and keeping the issue alive in public discourse. Such fact-based reporting plays a vital role in ensuring accountability and preventing the suppression of truth.
The KISS incident is not just about one tragic death; it is a reminder of the need for stronger safeguards for students, transparent institutional processes, and swift action when allegations arise. Justice in this case must not end with disclosures alone. It must lead to accountability, punishment for the guilty, and systemic reforms to ensure that no child’s life is ever reduced to a misleading explanation.
Truth has finally emerged. The responsibility now lies with the system to ensure that justice follows.
