Bhubaneswar : The Odisha Police on Sunday initiated strong disciplinary measures in connection with the sensational Balianta mob lynching case, suspending four police personnel and transferring the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Balianta Police Station over alleged negligence in handling the incident. The action comes as public anger continues to grow over the brutal killing of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain and the alleged failure of local police to prevent the violence.

According to official sources, Balianta Police Station IIC Anil Kumar Parida has been removed from his post and attached to the Urban Police District headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Inspector Rashmita Behera has been appointed as the new officer in charge of the police station.

In addition to the transfer, four personnel posted at the police station have been placed under suspension. Those suspended include a Sub-Inspector (SI), an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), an Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) member, and a constable. Authorities have also disengaged two home guards from duty following allegations of inaction during the violent incident.

The disciplinary steps were taken after serious questions were raised regarding the conduct of police personnel present during the mob attack that led to the death of the GRP constable. Family members of the deceased accused the police of failing to intervene in time and alleged that immediate medical assistance could have saved his life.

The incident occurred on May 7 near Ramachandrapur under Balianta police limits on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Soumya Ranjan Swain, aged 32, was allegedly attacked and beaten to death by a mob following accusations that he and another individual had harassed two women and attempted misconduct with them.

Preliminary reports suggest that the confrontation began after two women travelling on a scooter accused Swain and his companion of passing objectionable remarks and colliding with their vehicle, causing them to fall. The situation quickly escalated as local residents gathered at the scene and allegedly assaulted the constable.

The shocking incident sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, with many questioning the deteriorating law and order situation and the delayed response of the police. Several political leaders and social organisations demanded an impartial investigation and strict punishment for all those involved.

Taking the matter seriously, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed the CID-Crime Branch to take over the investigation. Senior officials of the Crime Branch have already begun probing the case and are reportedly examining every aspect of the incident, including the allegations made against the deceased constable as well as the subsequent mob violence.

Crime Branch teams have visited the spot, collected forensic evidence, and recorded statements from witnesses. Officials said separate angles of the case are being investigated to establish the sequence of events and determine accountability.

Police have so far detained and arrested several persons allegedly involved in the lynching. Authorities stated that more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.

Senior police officials assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty, whether involved directly in the mob attack or responsible for lapses in police duty. The incident has once again highlighted concerns over mob justice and the urgent need for timely police intervention in volatile situations.

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