Odisha Crime Branch on Thursday arrested the main accused in connection with the sensational murder case reported from the Bhingarpur–Kaja area under Balianta police station limits on May 7.

The CID Crime Branch was entrusted by the Odisha government to investigate the case following the incident that triggered widespread attention across the state.

Main Accused Arrested

According to the Crime Branch, the main accused, Chinu alias Ranjit Patra, aged 24 and a resident of Gangeswargada under Sadar police station limits in Cuttack Urban Police District, was arrested on May 14 based on substantial evidence collected during the investigation.

The investigating agency stated that the accused was allegedly involved in assaulting the deceased on the head with a bamboo stick after the victim was reportedly immobilised with ropes tied around his hands and legs.

Earlier Arrests Made In The Case

The Crime Branch further informed that another accused, Bunty alias Judhisthira Jena, aged 22, was earlier arrested on May 11 and forwarded to the court.

So far, a total of 13 accused persons have been arrested in connection with the case. Of them, 11 accused were earlier apprehended by the local police before the Crime Branch took over the investigation.

Investigation Continuing

The agency stated that the investigation is continuing on a priority basis and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the incident.

In an official statement, the Crime Branch said, “Based on substantial evidence collected during the course of investigation, the main accused was arrested on May 14. Investigation revealed his alleged involvement in assaulting the deceased on the head with a bamboo stick after the deceased had been immobilised by having his hands and legs tied with ropes.”

The agency added that further investigation into the case is currently underway.

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. While GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain later succumbed following the assault, his friend sustained injuries.

Also Read: Balianta mob lynching case: Crime Branch arrests one more accused in GRP constable’s murder case; total arrests rise to 12

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.