Bhubaneswar, May 28: The Crime Branch has achieved another major breakthrough in the sensational murder case of GRP constable Soumyaranjan in Balianta area by arresting another accused involved in the crime. The arrested accused has been identified as Ashok Jena alias “Geda” of Tankapani Road area. With his arrest, the total number of accused arrested in the case has risen to 17.

According to sources, Ashok Jena had been absconding since the murder incident and was evading police arrest. Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch conducted a raid at a hotel in Bhubaneswar’s Patia area and apprehended him while he was hiding there. Following the arrest, the accused is being subjected to further interrogation.

Earlier, before the investigation was handed over to the Crime Branch, the Commissionerate Police had arrested 11 accused persons in two phases and forwarded them to court. After taking over the probe, the Crime Branch intensified the investigation and has so far arrested six more accused, including Ashok Jena.

Meanwhile, several accused are still absconding, and multiple Crime Branch teams are continuing efforts to trace and arrest them. The Crime Branch IG had recently warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found sheltering or assisting the absconding accused.

Crime Branch sources said the interrogation of Ashok Jena is likely to reveal more details related to the murder conspiracy and may provide crucial leads about other absconding accused involved in the case.