Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: The death of a 14-year-old Class IX student at a private institute in Bhubaneswar has taken a shocking turn, with new allegations suggesting three classmates murdered him. This contradicts the institute’s initial claim that the student, Siba Munda, died after slipping in a hostel bathroom.

On December 12, Siba, a resident of Tikargumura village in Keonjhar, passed away in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Following his death, his family staged a protest outside the Keonjhar collectorate, accusing the school authorities of covering up the truth and withholding vital medical records that could explain the cause of death.

According to a police complaint filed by Siba’s father, Raghunath Munda, the hostel and school officials had informed him on December 9 that his son had fallen ill and was admitted to the hospital. However, investigations by the Infocity police station have revealed a different story. Authorities now suspect that the teenager was assaulted and strangled in a hostel washroom after a dispute on snatching over a water bucket.

According to police, three classmates allegedly beat Siba before strangling him.

A post-mortem report has confirmed that the cause of death was homicidal violence, not an accidental fall, as previously claimed by the school. A police officer, speaking anonymously, said the findings contradicted the initial narrative provided by the institution.

As the investigation continues, three minors, out of a total of eleven people involved, have been detained and presented before the Juvenile Justice Board in Khordha district. All three have been sent to a juvenile home.