Bhubaneswar: The number of arrests in the Balianta mob lynching case rose to 11 on Saturday, with police intensifying their crackdown over the killing of a 32-year-old GRP constable accused of attempting to rape a woman in Khurda district two days ago.
The constable, identified as Soumya Ranjan Swain, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob of around 40 people in the Balianta police station area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7 (Thursday). Another person, Om Prakash Rout, sustained injuries in the attack.
According to the police, the mob assault was triggered after allegations surfaced that Swain had attempted to rape a woman in the locality. The situation soon turned violent, resulting in the constable sustaining fatal injuries.
The deceased’s father, Dushasan Swain, alleged that a police team present at the spot assaulted his son instead of rescuing him. The injured person also supported the allegation.
“One can clearly see in a purported video that a constable was assaulting my son. I have already informed DCP Jagmohan Meena about the matter,” the father alleged.
He further claimed that Swain was taken to the hospital with his hands and legs tied and alleged that timely police intervention could have saved his life.
Rejecting the allegation against his son, Dushasan Swain demanded a polygraph test of the woman who lodged the complaint.
Meanwhile, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan assured strict action against all those involved in the Balianta mob lynching case.
The minister said the government has adopted a tough stance against criminal activities and assured that the accused would not be spared.
