Bhubaneswar: In a case of alleged mob violence, a youth was beaten to death after being accused of attempting to sexually assault two women on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Thursday afternoon.

According to reports, two youth riding a motorcycle collided with another two-wheeler carrying two women near Ramchandrapur bridge in the Bhingarapur area under Balianta police limits. An argument reportedly broke out between the two groups following the incident.

The women alleged the two youth attempted to sexually assault them in broad daylight. Hearing the commotion and cries for help, locals rushed to the spot and allegedly assaulted the two youths, tying their hands and legs with a bamboo. The two youth were dragged and beaten up  mercilessly.

Attack continued in presence of police

Despite the presence of Balianta police personnel, the mob attack continued. Both injured youths were later taken to the Capital Hospital in critical condition.

According to the latest reports, one of the injured, Soumya Ranjan Swain from the Adaspur area, succumbed to his injuries. The other youth, Om Prakash Rout, remains critical and is undergoing treatment.

Swain was reportedly a Government railway police personnel and also ran a gym centre.

Reports suggest the statement of Rout has been recorded by the police.

A relative of Swain questioned how a group of people could kill someone in broad daylight over alleged misbehaviour with a woman, adding there may be other reasons behind the incident which should be thoroughly investigated.

A murder case has been registered at the Balianta police station, and an investigation is underway.

Reacting to the incident, the IIC of Balianta police station said, as per the preliminary probe, there appears to be no involvement of past enmity.

Another senior police official stated the two women have lodged a written complaint at the police station in connection with the case. He added they had dialled the emergency number 112 during the incident as well as informed the locals.

According to the complaint, the two youths allegedly attempted to run them over and misbehaved with them.

The investigation is ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken accordingly, the official added.

Bhubaneswar DCP's reaction

Informing to media about the incident, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said the complainant has lodged a rape allegation against Swain and that further investigation is underway.

He added those who allegedly assaulted Swain are being identified through available video footage, and appropriate action will be taken against them as well.

Meanwhile, Meena ruled out any assault on Swain in the presence of PCR personnel. He said the PCR team rescued Swain and his friend and admitted them to hospital.

He further stated senior officials of Swain, who was a GRP personnel, have been informed, and they too may be brought under the scope of the probe if required.

Asked for a reaction, former DGP Sanjeev Marik termed the incident condemnable, questioning how society has become so insensitive. He also described the occurrence of such an incident in the presence of police as shocking.