Police Take Departmental Action After Balianta Incident
Following the shocking mob lynching incident in Balianta, the police administration has taken strict departmental action against several personnel over alleged negligence in duty and failure to maintain law and order.
As part of the action, Balianta Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Anil Parida has been transferred to the Bhubaneswar police headquarters. Along with him, one Sub-Inspector, one Assistant Sub-Inspector, one OAPF personnel and one constable have been suspended.
Additionally, two home guards have also been removed from duty in connection with the incident.
Police officials stated that the action was taken considering the seriousness of the case and alleged lapses during the violence. Tension continues to prevail in the area, prompting authorities to increase security and maintain heightened vigilance.
Crime Branch Begins Detailed Investigation
The investigation into the sensational killing has now been handed over to the Odisha Crime Branch. Two separate teams comprising around 10 officers have been formed to probe the incident from all angles.
The Crime Branch team reached Balianta Police Station at around 11:38 AM and collected all investigation records prepared by the local police since the day of the incident.
Later in the afternoon, the Crime Branch officials visited the crime scene and conducted a detailed examination of the area.
Police Personnel and Witnesses Questioned
The Crime Branch has reportedly questioned all police personnel who were present on duty during the incident, including PCR staff member Ram Chandra Behera.
Crime Branch SP Aniruddha Routaray also inspected a nearby buffalo shed from where ropes and bamboo sticks were allegedly brought to tie up the victim, Soumyaranjan.
Investigators are now trying to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the exact circumstances that led to the brutal killing.
Accused May Be Taken on Remand
Sources said the Crime Branch may seek remand of the arrested accused persons for further interrogation. Investigators have also brought the victim girl’s uncle under the scanner and are expected to question him as part of the probe.
Officials believe that his questioning could help uncover more details about the chain of events and the involvement of other accused persons.
So far, police have arrested 11 people in connection with the case.
What Happened on the Day of the Incident?
The horrifying incident took place in broad daylight on the Ramchandrapur Bridge near the capital city, sending shockwaves across Odisha.
The victim, identified as Soumyaranjan Swain, allegedly died after being brutally assaulted by a mob. His friend Om Prakash Rout was also injured in the attack.
According to initial allegations, Soumyaranjan and Om Prakash were travelling on a motorcycle when they reportedly overtook two young women. Soon after, allegations surfaced accusing them of attempting misconduct with the women.
Local villagers who rushed to the spot allegedly assaulted the duo, leading to Soumyaranjan’s death.
Family Alleges Planned Murder
However, the victim’s family has strongly denied the allegations and claimed that Soumyaranjan was deliberately murdered in a planned manner.
Meanwhile, a friend of the deceased recently stated that the motorcycle lost balance after an argument during the ride, causing it to collide with the women’s scooter accidentally.
The conflicting versions of events have raised serious questions, and the Crime Branch is now investigating to determine the truth behind the incident.
State Shocked by Brutal Mob Violence
The brutal nature of the killing has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha, with many demanding strict punishment for those involved and accountability from the police administration.
As the Crime Branch continues its investigation, all eyes are now on the findings that may reveal the complete truth behind one of the most disturbing mob violence cases in recent times.