The Odisha Crime Branch (CID-CB) intensified its investigation on Thursday into the sensational murder of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain in Balianta, with officials confirming that at least 10 more accused persons are still absconding.

Also Read: Balianta murder case: Another accused arrested, total arrests rise to 17

The development came during a press briefing today addressed by the Crime Branch DIG B. Gangadhar.

The Crime Branch informed that the prime accused, Ashok Jena alias Geda, aged around 45, was apprehended on May 28 (earlier today) from Hotel Regal Stay in the Patia area of Bhubaneswar.

Investigators said substantial evidence collected during the detailed probe helped establish his involvement in the assault on the deceased.

DIG B. Gangadhar stated that evidence clearly indicates the arrested accused had attacked the victim on the head. He further said the post-mortem report confirmed that Soumya died due to ‘severe brain injuries’ caused during the assault. Apart from head injuries, multiple wounds were also found on other parts of the victim’s body.

Calling it a ‘sensitive murder case’, the CID-CB DIG said several accused persons have gone into hiding after the crime. He assured that no one involved in the incident would be spared and all the accused would eventually be arrested.

The Crime Branch has so far arrested 17 persons in connection with the case. Officials added that the role of Soumya’s friend has also come under the investigation scanner. However, investigators clarified that the young woman whose name had surfaced during discussions was not personally acquainted with Soumya.

The investigating agency further noted that specific legal sections related to mob violence could also be invoked later, depending on the evidence gathered during the ongoing probe.

The Crime Branch said the investigation is continuing on a priority basis, with teams working to identify and arrest all remaining suspects linked to the murder.

“Evidence has been found that the person arrested today assaulted the victim on the head. No one will be spared; all accused will be arrested. The postmortem report has clearly confirmed that the death was caused by a brain injury,” the senior official said.

“Apart from this, Soumya had injuries on other parts of his body as well. This is a sensitive murder case, which is why the accused persons have gone into hiding. The role of Soumya’s friend is also now under the scanner. The young woman whose name has surfaced had no prior acquaintance with Soumya,” DIG B. Gangadhar stated.

“There are separate legal provisions for mob violence, which may be added later,” the Crime Branch official added.