Bhubaneswar, May 9: The postmortem report in the sensational Balianta mob lynching case has indicated that severe head injuries led to the death of GRP constable Soumyaranjan Swain, intensifying allegations of brutal assault by a mob on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

The autopsy, conducted at Capital Hospital in the presence of family members, revealed multiple injury marks across Soumya’s body. According to the preliminary findings, he suffered extensive internal bleeding in the brain due to a strong blow to the head. Deep bruises were also found on his back, abdomen, chest, hands and legs, allegedly caused by repeated beatings with wooden sticks.

Sources said the report found no indication of a heart attack, contradicting earlier claims that Soumya had died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Investigators suspect the attackers repeatedly slammed his head against the metal body of the pickup van during the assault, causing fatal injuries.

The incident occurred on Thursday near Ramachandrapur Chhak under Balianta police limits following a road accident and allegations of misconduct with a woman. In a shocking case of mob violence, Soumyaranjan was allegedly tied up and brutally assaulted in the middle of the road. Another youth, identified as Om Prakash Mahanti, sustained critical injuries in the attack.

Despite police presence at the spot, the victims could not be rescued in time, sparking widespread outrage across the state over alleged police inaction.

The deceased, Soumyaranjan Swain of Moujpur under Olatpur police limits, was serving as a constable in the Government Railway Police (GRP). Police have so far arrested seven persons in connection with the incident, while investigation into the case is underway.