Bhubaneswar: Based on CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media, the Commissionerate Police have detained four persons in connection with the lynching of a youth on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

Sources said the four individuals are being questioned, and the number of detainees is likely to rise as footage indicates the involvement of more people in the incident.

According to police sources, special teams comprising senior officials have been formed, and raids are underway to apprehend others involved in the incident.

The Commissionerate Police has deployed adequate number of police force at the Balianta Police Station to avoid any unpleasant situation.

The incident occurred at around 10 a.m. on Thursday near Ramchandrapur bridge in the Bhingarapur area under Balianta police limits. Soumya Ranjan Swain from Adaspur was beaten to death, while another youth, Om Prakash Rout, sustained critical injuries. The two were allegedly attacked by a mob over accusations of attempting to sexually assault two women.

Two separate complaints have been lodged at Balianta police station—one by the women against Swain and another by Swain’s family against unknown persons.

Meanwhile, Rout, who accompanied Swain, is in police custody, and his statement has been recorded.

Preliminary reports indicate the incident began after the motorcycle ridden by Swain and Rout collided with another two-wheeler carrying two women near Ramchandrapur. An argument reportedly ensued between the two groups.

The women alleged the two youths attempted to sexually assault them and dialled the emergency number 112, following which locals gathered at the spot. The mob allegedly assaulted the two youths, tying their hands and legs with a bamboo stick.

Despite the presence of Balianta police personnel, the assault continued. Both injured youths were later shifted to a hospital, where Swain succumbed to his injuries. Rout is currently undergoing treatment at the Capital Hospital.
Swain was reportedly a railway police personnel and also ran a gym.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said the complainant has lodged a rape allegation against Swain and that further investigation is underway.

He added those involved in the assault are being identified through available video footage and  appropriate action will be taken against them.

Meena also ruled out any assault on Swain in the presence of PCR personnel, stating the PCR team rescued both youths and admitted them to hospital.

He further said senior officials of the Government Railway Police (GRP), to which Swain belonged, have been informed and may also be brought under the scope of the investigation if required.