Bhubaneswar: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested one more accused in the daylight brutal murder of a GRP constable at Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar last month.
The accused has been identified as Bibhuti Bhusan Parida alias Happy, 26, of Benupur (Kumbhar Sahi) under Balianta PS, Khordha district.
With this, the total number of people arrested by the police in connection with the incident of May 7 has risen to 19.
According to CID-CB, Parida was apprehended from the Bidanashi area in Cuttack on the intervening night of June 22-23, 2026, based on substantial evidence collected during the investigation.
The Odisha government had entrusted the Crime Branch with the probe into the sensational incident that occurred on May 7 in the Bhingarpur–Kaja area under the jurisdiction of Balianta Police Station.
Investigation has revealed the involvement of the accused in assaulting the deceased, officials said.
“So far, a total of 19 accused have been arrested in connection with the case,” the Crime Branch said. Investigation is continuing on priority, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved in the incident.
The case relates to the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain following a mob attack in Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7.
It was alleged that Swain and his associate Om Prakash Rout were travelling on a motorcycle when they hit a scooter carrying two women from behind. Swain allegedly assaulted the women and attempted to assault one of them, triggering outrage among locals and passersby who gathered at the spot.
