Arrests Rise to Five in Balianta Lynching Case; More Detentions Likely

Bhubaneswar: The number of arrests in the Balianta lynching case has increased to five as police intensified their investigation and launched a manhunt to identify more suspects involved in the brutal assault.

The incident took place on Thursday afternoon in the Bhingarapur area under Balianta police station limits on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, two youths travelling on a motorcycle allegedly collided with a scooter carrying two women, which led to a heated altercation. The women later accused the youths of attempting to sexually assault them.

Soon after, local residents gathered at the spot, overpowered the two youths, tied them with bamboo sticks, and allegedly assaulted them mercilessly.

One of the victims, Soumya Ranjan Swain (32), a constable with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and a resident of the Adaspur area in Cuttack district, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

The second injured youth, identified as Om Prakash Rout, remains in critical condition and is currently undergoing treatment. Police have already recorded his statement as part of the investigation.

Police had initially arrested four persons in connection with the lynching and brought them to Balianta Police Station. With one more arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has risen to five.

Investigators are now examining viral video footage of the incident to identify additional persons involved in the mob assault. Further arrests are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, tension prevailed at Balianta Police Station when a scuffle reportedly broke out between a group of locals and police personnel after the accused persons were brought to the station following their detention. Videos of the confrontation have also surfaced on social media.

According to the Police Commissioner, two separate FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident. One complaint was filed by the father of deceased youth Soumya Ranjan Swain, while another FIR was lodged on behalf of the young woman who allegedly faced misbehaviour during the altercation.