Bhubaneswar: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police on Friday conducted a lie detection test on Om Prakash Rout, an associate of deceased Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, who was allegedly killed in a mob attack in Balianta area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
Sources said the polygraph test was carried out amid tight security at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Bhubaneswar after the investigating agency obtained permission from the court. Om had also given his consent for the examination.
More than 50 questions were reportedly prepared by a special team for the crucial test, which was conducted in the presence of experts and investigating officers.
Officials said the primary objective of the test is to verify and crosscheck with the statements made by Om during the investigation, and examine whether there are any contradictions in his previous versions. The investigators seek to ascertain whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the incident.
It may be recalled that GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain died after being allegedly assaulted by a mob in broad daylight in Balianta area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7.
Soumya and Om were travelling on a motorcycle when the bike collided with a scooter carrying two women. It was alleged that Swain assaulted the women and attempted to rape one of them, following which an enraged crowd attacked him. He later succumbed to his injuries.
The post-mortem report had revealed that Soumya suffered 21 external injuries, with severe trauma to multiple parts of his head leading to blood clotting and swelling in the brain, which caused death. Blood clots were also found in his lungs. Investigators had also sent biological samples for forensic examination to determine whether he had consumed any intoxicating substance before the incident.
Police have registered two separate cases, one relating to the alleged murder of Soumya and another concerning the alleged attempt to rape a woman. Eighteen people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident.
