The Odisha government on Friday assured exemplary action against those involved in the brutal lynching of railway constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, who was killed by a mob on suspicion of attempting to rape a woman on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The incident sparked statewide condemnation.
Details of the Incident
Video footage that went viral showed the 32-year-old constable tied to a pole and beaten to death by locals on Thursday in the Balianta area. The mob allegedly acted after Swain tried to rape a 24-year-old woman.
Government Response
Chief Secretary Anu Garg held a high-level meeting with Director General of Police Y B Khurania, Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh, and Chief Minister's advisor Prakash Mishra to review the situation. Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo stated, "The government will not spare the culprits. Acting on the chief minister's directive, police have already arrested five accused within hours of the crime, and others will soon face action as per law."
Responding to criticism over alleged police inaction, Singh Deo said, "It is wrong to say that fear of the police is lacking. The government will rein in such elements."
Political Reactions
BJD President Naveen Patnaik and Congress President Bhakta Charan Das linked the mob violence to deteriorating law and order in the state. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari rebuffed these claims, saying, "The government is committed to maintaining law and order with zero tolerance for criminals. People must not take law into their own hands."
Police Investigation
The DGP visited the crime spot along with ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar and said efforts are underway to nab all those involved. He also reviewed women's safety measures in the state.
Inquiry by State Women's Commission
The State Commission for Women (SCW) began its own inquiry into the allegations. SCW Chairperson Shovana Mohanty recorded testimonies of the survivor and her friend.
Friend's Account
Swain's associate Om Prakash Rout, who was with him during the incident, refuted the rape allegation. Rout, released from police custody on Friday evening, said the tragedy began from a misunderstanding when their bike accidentally collided with the scooter in which the two women were travelling. "At that moment, Swain suffered a sudden epileptic seizure and collapsed on one of the women. Mistaking his medical condition for misconduct, she raised an alarm, which quickly drew villagers to the scene," Rout said.
