A heartbreaking murder case has shaken Odisha! A 14-year-old Class IX tribal student named Siba Munda from Keonjhar district was killed at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar. Initially, KISS authorities claimed it was a heart attack or accidental fall in the hostel bathroom, but police investigation revealed it was murder by three classmates.
What Really Happened That Night?
On December 11, 2025, Siba was beaten and lead to death in the toilet block by three minor students . The fight started over a small issue – Siba refused to give them a bucket. Post-mortem confirmed it was not a natural death. His father noticed injury marks at KIMS hospital on December 12 and filed a murder complaint, leading to a Zero FIR in Keonjhar before transfer to Infocity Police Station.
8 KISS Staff Arrested for Cover-Up
Police arrested eight KISS employees, including Additional CEO Pramod Kumar Patra (50), Senior Academic Coordinator Prasanna Kumar Malla (54), Headmaster Rashmiranjan Nayak (45), and Hostel Supervisor Subhakanta Behera (32). They are charged with threatening witnesses, destroying evidence, and accused to hide the crime. A Bhubaneswar court sent them to Jharpada jail, rejecting bail. The three juveniles were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Cover-Up Exposed: Threats and Lies
KISS staff pressured students to stay silent. But classmates revealed the bullying gang attack. Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSPCR) Chairperson Babita Patra visited and found major lapses in management. Questions now rise about founder Achyuta Samanta’s role.
Why This Hits Odisha Hard
KISS, meant for tribal and underprivileged students, now faces outrage over safety failures. Siba’s poor daily-wage father lost his son who was due home soon. This isn’t isolated – past deaths at the institute raise alarms. Police assure witness protection and full probe. Parents, stay vigilant about your children’s hostels.
