Crime Branch Arrests Prime Accused in Odisha Police Constable Lynching Case

The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has apprehended Pradeep Mangaraj, also known as Dipu, a key suspect in the mob lynching of Government Railway Police constable Soumya Ranjan Swain in Balianta near Bhubaneswar. Mangaraj, aged 46 and hailing from Benupur village, was captured by Crime Branch officers late Monday night. Authorities confirmed his active participation in the assault through video evidence, bringing the total number of accused in the case to 18, with 11 previously detained by local police.
A senior official stated that Mangaraj had been on the run to avoid arrest but was tracked down in Dhenkanal district based on credible intelligence. The National Human Rights Commission is conducting an inquiry into the alleged human rights violations related to the lynching incident.
The tragic event unfolded on May 7 when Soumya and his companion encountered two girls on a scooter, leading to a dispute over a minor accident. Accusations of sexual misconduct by one of the girls triggered the fatal assault by villagers, resulting in Soumya’s death despite police intervention and medical efforts.