Another accused was arrested on Thursday in connection with the murder case of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain at Balianta. The latest arrest took the total number of arrests in the case to 17 as the Crime Branch intensified its investigation into the alleged mob violence incident.

The Crime Branch arrested the accused, identified as Ashok Kumar Jena of Ganeshwargada under Cuttack Sadar, from a hotel in the Patia area of Bhubaneswar.

Probe Expands Beyond District

The Crime Branch reportedly carried out a detailed investigation into the incident and had earlier conducted inquiries at both the police station and the crime scene.

Officials said the investigation is being conducted on the basis of viral video footage linked to the incident, while multiple aspects of the case are also being examined.

Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra had earlier stated that investigators were probing the case from different angles as part of the ongoing investigation.

ADG Transfer Amid Ongoing Investigation

In a related development, senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar was transferred and posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department on May 25 while the Crime Branch investigation into Soumya’s death continues.

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

Family members had alleged that Soumya faced harassment while working under the senior officer.

Case Background

The Balianta mob lynching case surfaced 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, while the other youth sustained injuries.

The incident subsequently triggered concerns over mob justice, alleged police negligence and women’s safety.

Also Read: Balianta murder case: Prime accused nabbed, total arrest count climbs to 16

The Odisha government later handed over the investigation to the CID Crime Branch, while the Odisha State Commission for Women also initiated a separate inquiry into the matter.