Mob lynching: Prime accused nabbed for killing of GRP constable in Odisha

The CID-Crime Branch of Odisha Police on Thursday arrested the main accused in the high-profile mob lynching case of a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable at Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, officials said.

The accused, identified as Chinu alias Ranjit Patra (24) of Gangeswargada under Sadar police station in Cuttack district, was arrested based on substantial evidence collected during the investigation into the May 7 incident in the Bhingarpur-Kaja area under Balianta police station limits.

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According to Crime Branch officials, Patra allegedly assaulted the deceased constable on the head with a bamboo stick after the victim had been overpowered and tied up with ropes.

The Odisha government had entrusted the CID-Crime Branch with the investigation following public outrage over the brutal killing, which sparked concerns over mob violence and deteriorating law and order.

Earlier, another accused, Bunty alias Judhisthira Jena (22), was arrested on May 11 and forwarded to court.

Officials said a total of 13 accused persons have so far been arrested in connection with the case. Of them, 11 were initially apprehended by the local police before the Crime Branch took over the probe.

The incident relates to the alleged mob lynching of a GRP constable who was reportedly suspected by locals to be involved in rape attempt of two young women. He was allegedly chased, tied up and assaulted by a group of people, leading to his death.

The Crime Branch said the investigation is being carried out on priority and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved in the incident.