Bhubaneswar: The number of arrests in the May 7 mob lynching case in Balianta has risen to 15, with the Odisha Crime Branch apprehending two more accused on Tuesday.

According to official sources, Panchanan Badjena alias Kalia and Ranjit Rana were arrested based on substantial evidence. The duo was apprehended from the Ranpur forest area in Nayagarh district.

Crime Branch officials said preliminary investigation has revealed the involvement of both accused in the assault that led to the victim’s death.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had, on May 9, ordered a Crime Branch probe into the incident that occurred in the Bhingarpur–Kaja area under Balianta police limits.

The victim, Soumya Ranjan Swain, a 32-year-old GRP constable, was killed in the mob attack on May 7.

Earlier, the Commissionerate Police had arrested 11 persons in connection with the case.

Crime Branch sources said the investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the incident.