Bhubaneswar, May 8:Tension flared in Mauzapur, the native village of Saumya Ranjan Swain, after his body was brought there this afternoon.
The deceased’s body was transported from Bhubaneswar Capital Hospital to Mauzapur, near Niali. As soon as it arrived, hundreds of angry villagers staged a protest, blocking the main road and demanding the arrest of those responsible for the brutal killing of Saumya Ranjan in Balianta yesterday.
Anticipating potential unrest, the police deployed a large contingent to maintain order and prevent further escalation.
The incident, which took place on Thursday, involved a mob lynching in broad daylight in Balianta, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Saumya Ranjan was killed amid allegations of misconduct toward two women.
The horrific attack has sparked a political outcry across Odisha, with leaders from both the BJP and BJD criticizing the state government over lapses in law and order.
BJD MLA Arun Sahu condemned the administration, highlighting Odisha’s deteriorating law and order situation. “Odisha has now become number one in crime,” he said, citing incidents of murder, rape, and kidnapping in Hinjili, Kanas, Dhenkanal, and now Balianta. “This latest attack is extremely gruesome. Every incident is being recorded on video, yet crimes continue unabated. Has Odisha become like UP or Bihar? Murders are happening even in police presence, and victims are being killed after informing the police,” Sahu added, questioning the government’s seriousness in ensuring public safety. He further demanded accountability, stating, “The government celebrates electoral victories, but in an unsafe state, what about the security of ordinary citizens? If the government cannot protect people, it should resign.”
BJP MP Pradeep Purohit also condemned the incident, describing it as deeply disturbing and criticizing the prevalence of mob violence, including killings with firearms and beatings.
In response, the state government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has ordered immediate action. Authorities have already arrested some individuals involved in the Balianta lynching and assured further measures to restore law and order.
