Bhubaneswar, May 7: Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the daylight mob lynching of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, following widespread public outrage and media attention.

Swain’s family, along with residents, surrounded the Balianta Police Station, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and strict action against those responsible.

The incident occurred near the outskirts of Bhubaneswar–Balianta after a road accident involving Swain and allegations of sexual misconduct. The deceased, 32-year-old Soumya Ranjan Swain from Adashpur in Cuttack district, had recently been reinstated following a previous suspension.

According to sources, Swain and his friend Om Prakash Rout were riding towards Bhubaneswar when their motorcycle collided with a scooter carrying two girls near a bridge at Ramachandrapur, under Balianta police jurisdiction. A heated argument reportedly followed, after which villagers, allegedly responding to the girls’ distress, tied up and assaulted Swain and Rout.

Both men were taken to Capital Hospital by police, where Swain was declared dead.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena stated that three groups were involved in the incident: the two girls on the scooter, the youths who collided with them, and local villagers who attacked the men. Key details have emerged during the interrogation of Swain’s friend. One of the girls has filed an FIR accusing Swain of attempted molestation, and her statement has been recorded by the authorities.

Authorities are examining video footage to identify all individuals involved in the lynching. DCP Meena confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable in the case.