BHUBANESWAR, 10TH MAY : The Odisha Crime Branch has formally taken charge of the investigation into the high-profile Balianta murder and alleged sexual assault case that has triggered widespread outrage across the state. The decision was taken following directions from Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania amid mounting public pressure for a transparent and impartial probe.

The shocking incident, which took place in the Balianta area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7, involved the alleged public sexual assault of a woman and the subsequent mob killing of a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable identified as Soumya Ranjan Swain. The case quickly drew statewide attention because of its violent nature and the serious allegations surrounding the sequence of events.

After reviewing the sensitivity of the matter, the state police headquarters decided to transfer the investigation from the local police to the CID Crime Branch. Officials believe the move will help ensure a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into every aspect of the incident.

The Crime Branch has already registered two separate cases in connection with the episode based on the FIRs lodged earlier at Balianta Police Station. The cases have been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Senior officials stated that investigators would thoroughly examine all available evidence, including witness testimonies, digital records, forensic materials, and CCTV footage collected from the area.

Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police Ratnaprava Satpathy has been assigned to lead the ground-level investigation, while SP Anirudha Routray will supervise the overall probe. The agency is expected to reconstruct the sequence of events to determine the exact circumstances that led to the mob violence and the death of the GRP constable.

According to preliminary reports, tensions escalated after allegations surfaced regarding an attempted sexual assault involving the constable. Soon after, an angry crowd allegedly attacked him, leading to his death. Investigators are now trying to establish whether the incident was spontaneous or if there was any organized involvement behind the mob attack.

The case has also sparked political reactions and public debate over law and order in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to conduct a fair and time-bound investigation while ensuring that all individuals involved in the crime are brought to justice. The Chief Minister reportedly instructed the Crime Branch to leave no angle unexplored during the investigation.

Senior police officials have assured that scientific methods and forensic analysis will play a crucial role in the inquiry. Investigators are expected to question several eyewitnesses and examine mobile phone records and video footage circulating on social media platforms related to the incident.

Meanwhile, police have intensified their crackdown on persons allegedly involved in the mob lynching. So far, 11 individuals have reportedly been arrested in connection with the killing of the constable, and further arrests are likely as the probe progresses.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding mob justice and public safety in the state. With the CID Crime Branch now handling the matter, authorities hope the investigation will uncover the complete truth behind the disturbing episode and help restore public confidence in the justice system.

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