Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police on Sunday initiated disciplinary action in connection with the Balianta mob lynching case, transferring the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Balianta Police Station and suspending four police personnel over alleged negligence in duty.
The action follows the killing of 32-year-old GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob near Ramachandrapur under Balianta police limits on May 7(Thursday). The incident occurred after Swain was accused of attempting to rape a woman in Khordha district.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said Balianta IIC Anil Kumar Parida has been attached to the Urban Police District (UPD) headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Inspector Rashmita Behera has been appointed as the new IIC of Balianta Police Station.
In addition to the transfer, one Sub-Inspector, one Assistant Sub-Inspector, one Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) personnel, and one constable have been placed under suspension. The authorities have also issued notices to two home guards, initiating steps to discontinue their services.
The disciplinary measures come amid mounting scrutiny over the police handling of the incident, which has so far led to 11 arrests. While five accused were arrested earlier, six more were apprehended on Saturday by the Commissionerate Police.
According to police, the incident unfolded after Swain and his associate Om Prakash Rout were accused of assaulting two women travelling on a scooter. The women alleged that the duo passed objectionable remarks and later rammed their vehicle, causing them to fall.
One of the survivors alleged that she was physically assaulted, strangled, hit on the head, and that her clothes were torn. She further claimed that the accused attempted to drag her.
Following the incident, locals reportedly gathered at the spot and attacked Swain and Rout. Visuals that surfaced later showed Swain tied to an iron structure and being brutally assaulted by a group of people.
Swain was initially taken to Balakati Community Health Centre and later shifted to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he was declared dead. Rout was rescued by police and remains in custody.
Based on the complaint filed by the two women, police have registered a case of attempted rape under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A separate murder case has also been registered in connection with the mob lynching incident.
