Odisha Human Rights Commission Issues Arrest Warrant for Senior IAS Officer Over Student's Death

Arrest Warrant Issued by OHRC

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken a significant step by issuing a bailable arrest warrant against Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, a senior IAS officer and Principal Secretary of the ST & SC Development Department.

This warrant stems from his failure to adhere to the commission's directives regarding the tragic death of a seven-year-old girl, who was a student at a government residential school in Budrukia, located in the Baliguda Block of Kandhamal district. The case highlights alleged negligence by school authorities under the ST & SC Development department.

Following media reports about the girl's death, prominent rights activist and lawyer Prabir Kumar Das submitted a petition to the OHRC, demanding accountability from the officials involved and seeking financial compensation of Rs 10 lakhs for the victim's family.

According to the OHRC, Mishra did not provide the required fact-finding report despite multiple orders issued on July 4, October 4, January 28, and April 22, 2025.

Due to his non-compliance, the commission summoned the Secretary of the ST/SC Development Department on June 3, 2025, requiring his personal appearance on July 4, 2025. However, he failed to comply with this order.

The commission's order states, “A Bailable Warrant of Arrest in the sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) with one solvent surety to the like amount, be issued against Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government of Odisha, ST & SC Development Department.” The warrant mandates his presence on August 12, 2025, at 11 A.M. to explain his non-compliance.

The rights activist reported that the deceased girl was diagnosed with malaria on June 25, 2024, during a routine health check at her school. The following day, her condition worsened, and she was taken to a Baliguda hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

A joint inquiry involving the project administrator of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency, the district welfare officer, and the sub-divisional medical officer was conducted to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

As a result of the inquiry, the district administration suspended the Assistant Superintendent of the residential school and transferred the hostel matron due to negligence. Additionally, the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Kandhamal was instructed to issue a show cause notice to the Community Health Officer responsible for the check-up, who neglected to test the girl for anemia.