Bhubaneswar, June 19: A day after senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar was suspended in connection with the alleged mob lynching of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, the deceased constable’s parents demanded his dismissal from service and sought a CBI investigation into the case.
Speaking to the media, Soumya’s father Dushasan Swain said mere suspension was not enough punishment. “What is the benefit of suspending him? After a few months, he may return to duty and continue receiving salary. He should be dismissed from service and sent to jail,” he said.
While thanking Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for taking the matter seriously, Dushasan reiterated the family’s demand for a CBI probe, claiming there was a larger conspiracy behind his son’s death. “We have been demanding a CBI investigation since the incident occurred. We are not satisfied with the Crime Branch probe and request the Chief Minister to support our demand,” he added.
Allegations had earlier surfaced that Soumya was forced to perform personal errands at Gangwar’s residence and was subjected to harassment. Following the controversy, Gangwar was first shifted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department on May 25 before being placed under suspension.
The case also reached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which directed a two-member team to conduct an inquiry. The team visited Bhubaneswar and carried out a five-day investigation, including a probe into the harassment allegations at the office of the Railway SP. Subsequently, ADG Arun Bothra conducted a separate inquiry and submitted a report to DGP Y.B. Khurania.
Soumya’s mother, Kabita Swain, expressed dissatisfaction over the suspension and demanded stricter action. “My son was brutally murdered as part of a planned conspiracy. Those who assaulted him and those who remained silent spectators should face the harshest punishment,” she said, reiterating the family’s demand for a CBI investigation.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has intensified its probe. On June 7, a team led by DSP Narendra Behera visited a gym associated with Soumya at Adashpur and questioned its officials. Investigators examined documents, collected records and reviewed CCTV footage as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Crime Branch team also met Soumya’s mother and collected a diary maintained by the deceased constable, along with several personal belongings, which are expected to aid the investigation.
