Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch on Thursday arrested the prime accused in the Balianta mob assault case from a hotel in Bhubaneswar.

According to an official statement issued by the Crime Branch, Ashok Jena alias Geda (45) of Gangeswargada under Cuttack Sadar police limits was apprehended from a hotel in Patia here.

The Crime Branch said substantial evidence had been collected during the investigation, which led to the arrest of the accused.

With the latest arrest, the number of accused persons arrested in connection with the case has risen to 17. The agency said the investigation is continuing on a priority basis, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved in the incident.

The case relates to the death of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain following a mob attack at Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7.

According to allegations, Swain and his associate Om Prakash Rout were travelling on a motorcycle when they allegedly hit a scooter carrying two women. Swain allegedly assaulted the women and attempted to rape one of them, triggering outrage among locals and passersby who gathered at the spot.

The crowd allegedly thrashed Swain severely, leading to his death. Videos of the assault had gone viral on social media.

Police have registered two separate cases in connection with the incident. One case pertains to the alleged murder of Swain, while the other relates to the alleged attempt to rape the woman.