Odisha CM Orders Strict Probe into Bhubaneswar Mob Lynching Case
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the death of a young man who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in the Balianta area near Bhubaneswar. The incident has raised serious concerns about rising mob violence and vigilantism in the region.
The Chief Minister directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against all those involved. He spoke with Odisha Director General of Police YB Khurania and instructed him to ensure stringent legal action in the case. Majhi emphasized that the strictest possible action should be taken to uphold the rule of law in the state.
According to officials, the incident occurred near the Ramachandrapur bridge under Balianta police station limits. The deceased was identified as Soumya Ranjan Swain, a jawan of the Odisha Government Railway Police. Swain and his friend Om Prakash Rout were traveling towards Bhubaneswar on a motorcycle when they allegedly came into contact with two girls riding a scooter.
Officials stated that an argument broke out after the motorcycle hit the scooter while overtaking. Police sources claimed that during the altercation, Swain allegedly attempted to sexually assault the girls. After hearing the girls scream for help, local villagers gathered at the spot and allegedly assaulted both men.
The two men were reportedly tied with ropes and beaten by the crowd before police arrived at the scene. Police rescued both individuals and shifted them to a hospital. Doctors later declared Soumya Ranjan Swain dead, while his friend survived the attack.
So far, police have arrested four people in connection with the incident, and the investigation is continuing. The Chief Minister also asked police officials to remain alert to prevent such incidents of mob violence in the future. Additionally, Majhi discussed the matter with Sovana Mohanty, chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women.
Mohanty is expected to visit Balianta to meet the women involved in the case and gather more information about the allegations. Officials said the commission would examine all aspects of the incident while trying to ascertain the facts surrounding the case.