Senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar was transferred and posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department on Monday. This development came while the Crime Branch continues its investigation into the death of Balianta resident Soumya Ranjan Swain.

Gangwar had come under controversy after allegations were levelled against him by Soumya’s family following the latter’s death in an alleged mob violence incident. 

Family Alleges Harassment

Speaking about the matter, Soumya’s father alleged that his son was subjected to harassment while working under Gangwar.

“He used to work under ADG Dayal Gangwar, who harassed him. Soumya left his work around a month ago. He was allegedly asked to massage him for nearly two hours in the morning and evening. He was also made to massage Gangwar’s son. Apart from that, he was asked to purchase protein supplements worth Rs 12,000,” he claimed.

Soumya’s mother, Kabita Swain, expressed disappointment over the pace of action in the case.

“I do not think any action will be taken against him because he has connections everywhere. I am a poor woman and have very limited means to fight for justice,” she said.

Specific Allegations Raised By Mother

Kabita Swain alleged that Gangwar was harassing her son for the past two years and frequently compelled him to perform personal duties unrelated to official work.

She claimed that Gangwar regularly obtained protein powder from Soumya without payment and that two containers were allegedly taken every month. 
According to her, the repeated massages caused swelling in Soumya’s hands.

Case Background

The Balianta mob lynching case came to light on May 7 after two women alleged that they were assaulted and misbehaved with by two youths near the Bhingarpur–Kaja area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. 

Following the allegations, local residents allegedly caught the duo and assaulted them publicly. GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain later succumbed to his injuries and the other youth sustained injuries.

Also Read: Balianta murder case: Crime Branch arrests 2 main accused; total arrests reach 15

The incident raised concerns over mob justice, alleged police negligence and women’s safety. The Odisha government subsequently handed over the investigation to the CID Crime Branch, while the Odisha State Commission for Women also launched a separate inquiry into the matter.