The mysterious death of a Class 9 student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar has taken a dramatic turn, with police confirming that the boy was murdered by his classmates, contradicting the institute&rsquo;s initial claim of an accidental fall.
Fourteen-year-old Siba Munda, a resident of Tikargumura village in Keonjhar district, died on December 12 while undergoing treatment at KIMS Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar. KISS authorities had earlier informed his family that he had fallen ill and later slipped in the hostel bathroom.
However, following an investigation by the Infocity police station, officials concluded that Siba was assaulted and strangulated inside a hostel washroom after a dispute over spilt dal. The post-mortem report established that the death was due to homicidal violence and not an accident.
Three students, all minors, were apprehended and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Khurda district. They have been sent to a correctional home for further proceedings.
The case triggered outrage after Siba&rsquo;s family staged a protest outside the Keonjhar collectorate, accusing the school authorities of suppressing facts and denying access to medical records. His father, Raghunath Munda, alleged that no medical documents or post-mortem details were provided before the body was handed over.
In a major development, Bhubaneswar Commissioner of Police Suresh Devdutt Singh confirmed that eight KISS officials, including the additional CEO and several teachers, were arrested for allegedly intimidating minor witnesses and attempting to conceal evidence. Seven doctors who treated the boy are also being questioned.
The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has warned of strict action if lapses by the institute are established, as the investigation continues to uncover accountability in the case.

Police say Class 9 boy was killed by classmates, not a hostel accident

KISS Student Murder Case Shocks Odisha

Police say Class 9 boy was killed by classmates, not a hostel accident

December 18, 2025 | 15:00 IST