Odisha’s Director General of Police, Vinayotosh Mishra, has provided an important update regarding the controversial death of GRP Constable Soumya Ranjan Swain in the Balianta region. He emphasized that the Crime Branch is conducting its investigation without any external pressures, ensuring complete impartiality.

In a recent meeting with the bereaved father of the deceased constable, the DGP offered personal assurances about the investigation’s transparency and thoroughness. Responding to questions from the media, he mentioned that while lie detector tests will be applied as needed, there is already a substantial amount of physical and forensic evidence collected, reducing the necessity for extensive polygraph tests.

Incident Overview

The incident in question occurred on May 7, near the Ramchandrapur bridge in Balianta. Soumya and his friend, Om Prakash, were riding a motorcycle when a minor collision with a scooter, which was being ridden by two young women, escalated into a heated argument. This confrontation attracted a large crowd, culminating in a violent attack on Soumya. The post-mortem report indicated that he suffered severe injuries in 21 different areas of his body, with critical trauma to the brain.

Investigation Progress

The case has been transferred to the Crime Branch for a detailed and specialized investigation. Key updates include:

• Arrests: More than 20 individuals have been detained in connection with the assault.
• Charge-sheets: Formal charges have been filed against 11 main suspects, while efforts to locate other absconding individuals are ongoing.
• Scientific Testing: A lie detector test for Soumya’s companion, Om Prakash, has been completed, and the results support his initial account of the events.
• Next Steps: The Crime Branch is preparing to conduct lie detector tests on the two women involved in the initial incident.

Administrative Measures and Community Response

The family of the deceased has persistently suggested that a larger conspiracy may be at play, which has kept public attention on the case heightened. Following initial administrative shortcomings, several local police officials have been suspended, and the Inspector-in-Charge of the Balianta police station has been reassigned. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is actively monitoring the case’s progress.

With the DGP’s recent remarks and clarifications, authorities are hopeful that they can restore public trust and reassure the victim’s family that a fair and transparent pursuit of justice is underway.