The Balianta lynching case has intensified as police arrested seven persons and detained five more for questioning.
The brutal killing of GRP Constable Saumya Ranjan Swain has triggered widespread panic in nearby villages.
The incident occurred when villagers from Benupur and surrounding areas allegedly attacked Swain after accusing him of misbehaving with two young women. The mob beat him to death, sparking outrage and fear across the region.
Police launched a massive manhunt based on CCTV footage and conducted raids at multiple locations to track down the remaining accused. Several villages under Balianta police station have turned male-deserted as residents fled to avoid arrest.
Meanwhile, Swain’s family strongly rejected the allegation of misbehaviour, calling it false and fabricated. They demanded a polygraph test of the two girls involved. The family continues to struggle with the shocking loss and has demanded justice.
Yesterday, DGP Y.B. Khurania and the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission visited the crime spot to assess the situation. Tension erupted in Swain’s village when his body was brought home. Locals blocked the road, staged protests, and held police responsible for failing to protect him. They raised slogans demanding strict action against the perpetrators.
