Bhubaneswar: All individuals involved in the lynching of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain have been identified, Odisha Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra informed on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Mishra confirmed that Crime Branch teams are actively conducting raids to apprehend the remaining accused. So far, police and the Crime Branch have arrested a total of 13 people in connection with the May 7 incident. He emphasised that necessary actions are being taken. “Investigation is being carried out from all angles to ensure justice for Soumya’s family,” he added.
Mishra refused to divulge details of the investigation at this stage. “I cannot disclose further details regarding the investigation, as it may aid certain people. However, none found responsible will be spared,” he stated.
Sources indicated that the Crime Branch has identified 25 people on the basis of CCTV and video footage.
The DIG also outlined the reasons why the probe is taking longer than expected. “All scientific evidence and tools are being used. As a leader, it is my responsibility to ensure no agency raises any doubts on the investigation. I am regularly reviewing the probe, which is being conducted by an SP under the direct guidance of the DGP. It is being done in a systematic manner. The focus is on apprehending all identified accused and ensure evidence is legally admissible and can survive a trial,” he said.
Addressing concerns about alleged police negligence, Mishra noted that four policemen – a sub-inspector, an assistant sub-inspector and two constables – were suspended while Balianta police station IIC was transferred for alleged inaction while the railway constable was tied up and beaten to death. He added that the Commissionerate Police is examining the matter and will take appropriate action.
He also mentioned being unaware of separate allegations raised by the victim’s family and added that those are not under the purview of the Crime Branch’s investigation.
The 32-year-old constable Swain of Moujpur village in Cuttack district, was lynched by a mob around 16 km from his home, near a small bridge at in Balianta area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The incident took place after the motorcycle in which he was riding pillion collided with a scooter near a small bridge at Balianta. The two women on the scooter accused Swain of molesting and attempting to sexually assault them. Following which, the assembled mob of about 40-50 people beat up him and his friend, Om Prakash Rout. While Rout escaped with minor injuries, Swain was tied up, dragged, and brutally assaulted in full public view. He later succumbed to his injuries.
