Bhubaneswar, May 8: The brutal mob killing of a youth in Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha. Police have arrested five persons in connection with the incident, while the woman at the centre of the case has now come forward with her statement.
Speaking to the media, the complainant alleged that she and her friend were on their way to her aunt’s house when two youths approaching from the opposite direction allegedly harassed them. According to her, the youths first shouted at them and later rammed their bike into the scooter they were riding, causing both women to fall on the road.
The woman further claimed that one of the accused grabbed her by the neck and tore her dress. “We screamed for help after they misbehaved with us. Local people rushed to rescue us,” she said. She also stated that she had never seen the two youths before.
The complainant maintained that the local residents had come to protect them and claimed police personnel were already present at the spot during the incident. She appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to release the arrested villagers.
The incident took place on Thursday near Ramchandrapur Chhak under Balianta police limits. Following allegations of misconduct with the women after a minor road accident, an angry mob allegedly tied the hands and legs of one youth and beat him to death in the middle of the road. Another youth sustained critical injuries in the assault.
The deceased has been identified as Soumyaranjan Sain of Mouzpur under Olatpur police limits. He was working as a constable in the GRP and also operated a gym in his locality. His friend, Om Prakash Mahanti, was seriously injured in the attack.
Police said five accused have so far been arrested in connection with the case. The incident has also raised serious questions over police response, as officers present at the spot reportedly failed to rescue the victim from the mob.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the incident and directed Odisha DGP Y. B. Khurania to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure strict action against those responsible.
