In a shocking development, the death of a student at a private residential college in Keonjhar has been confirmed as a case of murder.
What was initially suspected to be an accidental or natural death has now been revealed as a deliberate act carried out by three fellow hostel inmates, police said on Wednesday.
The victim, Jaldhar Mahanta, a minor from Tangarapada village, was attending a summer course and staying in the hostel when the incident occurred on the night of April 21. According to police, a heated argument between Jaldhar and three peers escalated, leading to his alleged strangulation.
Following a complaint by the family, Keonjhar Town Police launched a swift investigation and detained all three suspects—also minors. The accused were presented before the Juvenile Justice Board in Rourkela on murder charges.
The case has sparked outrage across the district, with the victim’s family demanding strict punishment and accountability from the college for negligence. Questions are being raised about hostel security and the delay in alerting authorities.
Keonjhar Sadar SDPO Sudarshan Gangoi confirmed, “There was a dispute between the student and his batchmates. They strangled him. A murder case has been registered and investigation is ongoing.”
The tragic incident has raised serious concerns about student safety in private residential institutions.
