The Soumyaranjan Swain murder case took a decisive turn as the Crime Branch secured court permission to take three prime accused on remand.
The accused are Panchanan Barjena alias Kalia, Smailab Pati, and Bismaya Mohanty. Investigators confirmed their direct involvement during the probe.
Crime Branch teams will escort the accused from Jharpada Jail under tight security for interrogation. Smailab and Bismaya were arrested earlier by Balianta Police, while Panchanan was nabbed by the Crime Branch. Officials said questioning will focus on their roles and whether a larger conspiracy existed behind the killing.
The case has also intensified scrutiny on senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar, a 1998 batch officer. The Home Department initiated disciplinary proceedings against him following allegations of misuse of constables for personal work. Additional Secretary Trilochan Majhi wrote to DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on June 29, seeking detailed information on charges and evidence against Gangwar.
Reports revealed that Gangwar deployed eight GRP constables, including Soumyaranjan, at his residence without departmental approval. Soumyaranjan’s family lodged complaints against him after the murder. Gangwar was transferred on May 25 from his post as Additional DGP (Communication) and later suspended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on June 18.
Investigations led by ADG Railways and Coastal Security Arun Bothra earlier confirmed misuse of position by Gangwar. The Crime Branch continues to probe the conspiracy angle while disciplinary action against the IPS officer moves forward.
