Bhubaneswar, June 1: A two-member team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has arrived in Bhubaneswar to conduct a detailed investigation into the widely discussed murder case of constable Soumyaranjan Swain. The team, comprising Rajendra Singh and Avinash Kumar, will carry out a five-day inquiry until June 5.
As part of the investigation, the NHRC officials will first visit the crime scene before questioning key police authorities, including the Police Commissioner, the DCP of Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD), the Superintendent of Police of the Government Railway Police (GRP), the Officer-in-Charge of Balianta Police Station, and the investigating officer handling the case.
The inquiry is also expected to examine allegations that Soumyaranjan was subjected to personal servitude at the residence of a senior IPS officer. Sources indicate that the concerned IPS officer may also be questioned by the NHRC team.
Officials responsible for law-and-order management and police deployment on the day of the incident will be summoned for questioning. In addition, doctors from Capital Hospital and those involved in the post-mortem examination will provide details regarding Soumyaranjan’s medical condition and the cause of his death.
The NHRC team will record statements from human rights activist and petitioner Bhajaman Biswal, members of Soumyaranjan’s family, the two women who had levelled misconduct allegations against him, and his friend Om Prakash Rout. Local media representatives may also be called if their testimony is considered necessary.
The inquiry proceedings will be conducted at a government guest house or circuit house. Authorities have been directed to submit all relevant reports and documents related to the case to the NHRC team at the earliest.
The investigation is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the death of the constable and address concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the handling of the case.
