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The NCST has sought a report from the Odisha government and ordered an inquiry into the alleged murder of a 14-year-old tribal student at KISS in Bhubaneswar.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has ordered an inquiry into the death of a 14-year-old tribal student at KISS in Bhubaneswar. (AI Image)
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on Thursday sought a detailed report from the Odisha government and decided to conduct an inquiry into the alleged murder of a 14-year-old tribal student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, as reported by news agency PTI.
The commission took suo motu cognisance of the incident based on media reports, a day after Odisha Police arrested eight officials of KISS and three students in connection with the boy’s death. In a statement, the NCST said it has decided to investigate the matter under the powers granted to it by Article 338A of the Constitution.
The commission issued notices to the state’s Home, School and Mass Education, and ST & SC Development departments, along with the Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police and the Khurda district collector. All concerned authorities have been asked to submit a detailed report within three days. The NCST also warned that failure to respond within the deadline could lead to the use of its civil court powers, including summoning officials.
The action comes after police arrested eight KISS employees, including an additional CEO and two teachers, for allegedly trying to suppress information related to the Class IX student’s death. Police have said the boy, who was from Keonjhar district, was strangled to death by his classmates on the night of December 11. The three students accused in the case were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board as children in conflict with law.
Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh earlier said the arrested officials attempted to present the incident as an accidental death.
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Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram described the incident as “unfortunate and condemnable” and said such cases were being repeated at KISS. He called for vigilance and preventive measures, while expressing confidence in an impartial probe.
The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights also visited the institute and recommended a probe into the role of doctors at KIMS hospital, who allegedly gave incorrect information about the cause of death.
Political leaders, including Congress and BJP representatives, have demanded strict action against all those involved.
December 19, 2025, 09:35 IST
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