The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has apprehended another suspect in connection with the mob lynching of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The prime accused, Ashok Jena alias Geda (45), was arrested based on substantial evidence collected during the investigation. Jena’s involvement in the lynching was confirmed by the premier investigating agency.
So far, a total of 17 individuals have been arrested in relation to the case. Among these arrests, 11 accused were previously apprehended by Balianta Police. The incident occurred on May 7 when Soumya Ranjan Swain was allegedly beaten to death by a mob over accusations of sexually assaulting a girl in the Balianta area.
Soumya and his friend Om Prakash Rout encountered two girls riding a scooter in the Bhingarpur-Kaja area, leading to a reported argument after a collision between their vehicles. Following allegations of sexual assault by one of the girls, local villagers rushed to the scene upon hearing her screams and attacked the duo.
Police intervened, rescuing the victims and transporting them to a hospital where Soumya was pronounced dead. The Crime Branch had previously identified several suspects from viral videos of the incident, which sparked widespread outrage. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend around eight to ten accused individuals who are currently absconding.
