Bhubaneswar, May 9: The investigation into the alleged lynching of GRP constable Soumyaranjan Swain at Balianta has intensified, with police continuing raids and detentions in connection with the case. On Friday, the Odisha DGP and the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission visited the crime scene to review the situation. Police have so far arrested five persons, while efforts are underway to trace other accused involved in the incident.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also reviewed the matter with the Director General of Police and directed officials to take stringent action against all those responsible. Tension flared in Soumyaranjan’s native village after his body arrived there on Friday, as locals staged a road blockade accusing police of negligence and demanding justice for the deceased constable.
Questions continue over what happened in Balianta
Even as the investigation progresses, several aspects surrounding Soumyaranjan’s death remain unclear. Two women, who had accused the constable of misconduct before the assault, have now come forward with their statements. They alleged that Soumyaranjan, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, rammed their scooter and misbehaved with one of them.
Police are reportedly planning to conduct lie detection tests on both women as part of the probe. However, Soumyaranjan’s friend has rejected the allegations, claiming that the constable neither consumed alcohol nor behaved inappropriately. He alleged that Soumyaranjan was instead targeted and murdered in a planned attack.
GRP SP reveals service record details
Meanwhile, GRP SP Bhavani Shankar Udgata disclosed several details regarding Soumyaranjan’s service history. According to the officer, Soumyaranjan had joined the GRP in 2014 but had remained absent from duty since April 25. Due to repeated absenteeism, his salary had also been withheld on earlier occasions.
The GRP SP further stated that a case had been registered against Soumyaranjan at the Bhubaneswar Mahila Police Station in 2021. He also alleged that the constable was more involved in managing a gym than performing his official responsibilities.
With conflicting claims continuing to emerge from different sides, police have intensified the investigation to establish the exact sequence of events leading to Soumyaranjan’s death. Authorities have indicated that scientific and forensic methods, including lie detection tests, may be used to verify statements recorded during the probe.
